
Class _£ill. 



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THE LIFE OP MAGURDY. 






7 



OF THE 



REV. ELISHA MACURDY 



APPENDIX 



CONTAINING BRIEF NOTICES OF VARIOUS DECEASED 

MINISTERS OF THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH 

IN WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 



BY 

DAVID ELLIOTT, 

Professor of Theology in the Western Theological Seminary, 
Allegheny, Penn'a. 



ALLEGHENY: 

KENNEDY & BROTHER, FEDERAL STREET. 

PHILADELPHIA: 

WILLIAM S. MARTIEN, No. 37, SOUTH SEVENTH STREET. 

1848. 









Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1847, by the 

REV. DAVID ELLIOTT, 

In the Clerk's Office of the District Court for the Western District of 
Pennsylvania. 



PREFACE 



There is great difficulty in writing the his- 
tory of the early Ministers of this part of the 
church, owing to the fact that they have gener- 
ally left few written memorials of their lives 
and labours. This difficulty, the Author of the 
following Memoir had to encounter, as no man- 
uscripts were left by Mr. Macurdy, except a few 
fragments, which were of little use. To sup- 
ply this defect, he was obliged to have recourse 
to such other means of information, as were 
within his reach. Providentially, he had been 
thrown into close intercourse with Mr. Macurdy 
for several years preceding his death. During 
that period, he took occasion to elicit from him 
detailed accounts of his own history, and of 
transactions with which he had been personally 



VI PREFACE. 

connected. In this way, he obtained much of 
that which is now presented to the pubhc. He 
had access, also, to the Records of the Board of 
Trust of the Western Missionary Society, and 
to some pubhshed notices of the great Revival 
of 1802, as contained in the Western Missionary 
Magazine. He, moreover, embraced every op- 
portunity which occurred to converse with min- 
isters and others who were supposed to have any 
knowledge of the facts which he wished to pro- 
cure. By a careful comparison of the informa- 
tion derived from these various sources, he flat- 
ters himself that he has been enabled to attain 
entire historical accuracy in his statements. 

He is aware that the details, in some parts of 
the work, may be thought to be too minute. 
But, without such minuteness, his object would 
not have been fully attained. The Author was 
desirous to exhibit, in the details of his pri- 
vate and public labours, the true character of 
one of the early ministers of the Presbyterian 
church in Western Pennsylvania, who had been 
educated on the ground, and who, in the earlier 
periods of her history, had assisted in moulding 



PREFACE. Vll 

her character. This could only be done, by 
pursuing the course which he has adopted. 

In the Appendix, containing short notices of 
those deceased Ministers, whose names have 
been incidentally introduced into the body of 
the narrative, — and which are referred to by 
numerical figures, — the reader will find some 
statistical information respecting them, which 
may be useful in aiding farther investigation, by 
fixing dates and furnishing starting points for 
inquiry. In relation to these notices, it may be 
proper to say, that they are the results of careful 
examination, and the facts have been collated 
with considerable labour. In most cases, refer- 
ence has been had to official records as furnished 
by the stated Clerks of Presbyteries ; and where 
these were not accessible, to such other state- 
ments, verbal or written, as were deemed most 
worthy of credit. And, when in any case cer- 
tainty could not be attained, the want of it has 
been indicated by some qualifying expression. 
To the stated Clerks of the various Presbyteries, 
through whose kindness he has been furnished 
with much information, and to the many other 



VIU PREFACE. 

individuals who aided him by the communica- 
tion of facts, the Author tenders his most grate- 
ful acknowledgments. 
December, 1847. 



CONTENTS 



CHAPTER I. 

His birth — Early life — Efforts to sustain the family — First serious 
impressions — Conversion — Public profession of religion — Ac- 
tive zeal — His mind directed towards the ministry — Enters 
upon his studies — Residence at Canonsburgh — First acquain- 
tance with Philip Jackson, "the praying Elder-- — His mar- 
riage — His license to preach the gospel, _ - . - 13 



CHAPTER H, 

His first sermon — Missionary tour to Erie — Second tour — Invita- 
tions to settle — Declines their acceptance — Urgency of the 
churches — His perplexity — Accepts the call to Cross Roads 
and Three Springs — State of things in the church at the time 
of his settlement — Plans of instruction and pastoral labour — 
Temperance efforts — Whiskey at a funeral — Stage coach — 
Mr. and Mrs. Colt — Cases of spiritual conflict, - - - 29 



CHAPTER HI. 

Early revivals in Western Pennsylvania — State of things in 1801 
and 1802 — Female prayer meeting — A text and sermon — 
Commencement of the revival in Three Springs — Communion 
Sabbath — First appearance of the bodily exercise — Progress 
of the work — Sacrament at Cross Roads — Great meeting at 
Upper Buffalo — « War Sermon" — Children affected — Meet- 
ing in a school hDuse, ----.-.-55 



X CONTENTS. 

CHAPTER IV. 

The bodily exercise described — Examples — Its invariable antece- 
dent — Mr. Johnston's account — Beyond the power of its sub- 
jects to control — Character of the preaching — Treatment of 
the anxious — A vision — Care in the admission of persons to 
the church — Men and measures employed — Continuance of 
the revival — Its character — Theories respecting the bodily 
exercise — Dr. Hoge — Dr. Baxler — Difficulties — Solution — 
Sickness of Mr. Macurdy — Death of Philip of Jackson — No- 
tices and anecdotes respecting hinij - _ _ _ _ 79 

CHAPTER V. 

Mr. Macurdy's missionary spirit — Origin of the Western Mission- 
ary Society and Board of Trust — Missions to the Wyandot 
and other Indian tribes on the Sandusky — Rev. G. M. Scott's 
visit to them — Barnett — His history — Meets the Presbytery 
of Ohio — Leaves his son John with Mr. Macurdy — Openly 
espouses the cause of religion — John Barnett taken away by 
his mother — Mr. Badger Missionary at Sandusky — Difficulties 
— Mr. Macurdy's first visit to Sandusky — -Remains at the sta- 
tion and teaches — His management of the Indians — Defeats 
their attempt to take the property of the Society — Returns 
home — His second visit — Mission suspended on account of 
the war^ — Barijett's baptism and that of his children, - - - 104 

CHAPTER VI. 

Visit to Cornplanter — Third visit to Sandusky — Difficulties in ex- 
ploring the country — Offer of the Indians — Its acceptance re- 
commended — Mr. Macurdy appointed to go out again — De- 
clines — Messrs. Swift and Law's exploring tour — School at 
Greenfield suspended — Mission established at Maumee — Mr. 
Macurdy's first visit to Maumee — Procures a site and com- 
mences the erection of buildings — Mission family organized 
«— Mr. Tait — Mr. Robbins — Mr. Macurdy's second vijsit to 
Maumee — His illness, and return home — Transfer of the 
Mission to the United Foreign Missionary Society — His third 
visit to Maumee — His fourth and last visit — Estimate of his 



CONTENTS. XI 

Missionary labours^-His exertions on behalf of Indian Mis- 
sions — Results of these missionary efforts, ----.=. 133 

CHAPTER VIL 

Miscellaneous facts — Col. Rutgers — Dr. Jennings' first appearance 
in the Gen. Assembly — Mr. Macurdy and an Elder — Rebuke 
of a noisy professor — His treatment of a quack doctor — Death 
of Mrs. Macurdy — Tribute to her character — His second mar- 
riage — Revival in his church — Its effects — Rouse and Watts 
— Sermon at Washington before Gen. Jackson — Resignation 
of his charge-- subsequent labours — Convention of 1842 — His 
farewell address — Last time at church — Private efforts to do 
good, 167 

CHAPTER Vm. 

His confinement to his house — Various conversations with the au- 
thor from January 25, 1843, to July 22, 1845~His last words 
— His death — Funeral, _-__-__----- 195 

CHAPTER IX. 

Traits of Character — Decision — Energy — Discernment — Liberality 

— Missionary Spirit — Piety, ----------- 232 

APPENDIX. 

Brief notices of the following deceased ministers, viz: James 
Hughes, John M'Pherrin, James Finley, John Boyd, James 
Boyd, William Morehead, George Hill, James Dunlap, D.D., 
Jacob Jennings, Joseph W. Henderson, John Black, William 
Speer, John M'Millan, D. D., James Power, D. D., William 
Swan, John Watson, Joseph Stockton, Thomas Marquis, Jo- 
eeph Smith, David Smith, Ezekiel Glasgow, John Anderson, D. 
D. Thomas E. Hughes, John Clark, William Woods, Thaddeus 
Dodd, John Brice, George M. Scott, Joseph Patterson, Sam'l 
Porter, Joseph Badger, Michael Law, Samuel Tait, Obadiah 
Jennings, D. D,, Clement Vallandingham, ------ 246 



THE LIFE 



REV. ELISHA MACURDY. 



CHAPTER I. 



His Birth — Early Life — Efforts to Sustain the Family — First Serious 
Impressions — Public Profession of Religion — Active Zeal — His Mind 
directed towards the Ministry — Enters upon his Studies — Residence 
at Canonsburgh — First acquaintance with Philip Jackson, "the Pray- 
ing Elder" — His Marriage — His License to Preach the Gospel. 

The Rev. Elisha Macurdy, the subject of the following 
memoir, was the son of John Macurdy, of Chester county, 
Pennsylvania, whose fatlier emigrated from Ireland. His 
mother's name was Mary Fox, whose grand-father came 
from England and settled in Philadelphia, where her father 
afterwards resided. Of the time and place of their mar- 
riage, we have no information. Elisha was the third of 
twelve children, five of whom are still living. He was born 
October 15th, 1763, in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, at which 
place the family then resided. He was baptized in the old 
log meeting house, on Pomfret street, in that borough, by 

the Rev. George Duffield, D. D. the grand-father of the 
1 



14 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

present Dr. George Duffield, of Detroit. Of his early life, 
during his boyhood, little is known. He enjoyed such ad- 
vantages of education as were common in the place, at that 
time. One of his instructors was the late Judge Creigh — 
grand-father of the Rev. Thomas Creigh, of Mercersburg — 
who is recollected by many yet living, as a prominent Elder 
in the Presbyterian church of Carlisle. Another, was a gen- 
tleman, who was son-in-law of the Rev. John Steel, of Car- 
lisle, but whose name has been forgotten. Under his direc- 
tion, he commenced the study of the Latin language, but had 
not advanced far, when his studies were interrupted and the 
school dispersed, by the breaking out of the war of the 
Revolution. 

In the acquisition of knowledge, he is said to have been 
prompt, and in the facility with which he communicated 
what he knew to others, he was early distinguished. It is 
not known that at this period of his life he had any serious 
impressions on the subject of religion, or that he felt its con- 
trolling influence in any part of his conduct. But he had 
an early abhorrence of the degrading vice of intemperance, 
and from his youth up, acted upon the principles of total 
abstinence from intoxicating drinks. This is the testimony 
of some of his near relatives, who had the best opportuni- 
ties of knowing the fact. It is, also, in harmony with his 
own declaration, made to the author, a few years before his 
death. For, to the question, "How long, Mr. Macurdy, 
have you been a temperance man?" he replied, without 
qualification, "Always.'* The manner in which he brought 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 15 

his influence to bear on this subject, in later periods of his 
life, we may have occasion to notice, in its proper place. 

His father, having become embarrassed in his worldly 
circumstances, moved with his family to the neighbourhood 
of Taneytown, Maryland, with a view to their improvement. 
After continuing there a year, he returned to Pennsylvania, 
and settled in York county, where he remained nearly four 
years. Not succeeding in his efforts to repair his losses, he 
finally removed to Ligonier Valley, Westmoreland county, 
Pennsylvania. During these various changes and removals, 
Elisha continued with the family, labouring diligently for the 
advancement of their worldly interests. And so true was 
he to his temperance principles, that, on one occasion, he is 
said to have gathered in their harvest with protracted per- 
sonal labour and fatigue, rather than employ men whose assis- 
tance could be procured only on the condition of their being 
furnished with intoxicating drinks. Thus early did he ex- 
hibit that decision and energy of character, for which he was 
afterwards so distinguished. 

At the period of his father's removal to Ligonier, Mr. 
Macurdy was about twenty-one years of age. His elder 
brother having gone to the South, where he remained, the 
care and support of his father's large family devolved chiefly 
on him. How he should make his efforts most eflective for 
their benefit, was the object to which he now directed his 
attention. Nor was his active and enterprising mind long 
in settling his plan. Among the most valuable articles which 
had been saved from the wreck of his father's property, were 



16 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

a wagon and team of horses. As the best means of provid- 
ing for the wants of the family, and repairing their losses, 
he determined to employ these under his own personal direc- 
tion, in the transportation of freight to and from such places 
as might be most profitable. Having made his arrangements 
accordingly, he started with his team for Baltimore. On his 
way, he stopped at Green Castle, in Franklin county, where 
he became acquainted with the late George Clarke — father 
of Mathew St. Clair Clarke, Esq. of Washington City — 
who kept a store in that place, and who furnished him with 
his first load to the seaboard. Finding sufficient employ- 
ment, he continued in the business of transportation, for 
about eighteen months. His profits, during that period, had 
been very liberal. With care, he had been able to save as 
much money as was sufficient to purchase a considerable 
quantity of groceries, on his own account. With these he 
loaded his wagon, and returning to Ligonier, where they 
were in great demand, he sold them at a large advance. By 
this means, he was enabled to purchase a farm, from the 
proceeds of which, under his efficient management, the fam- 
ily soon derived a comfortable support. 

In the adoption and execution of this plan, we perceive a 
manly independence and vigour of purpose, which showed 
his fitness to grapple with difficulties and to overcome obsta- 
cles, which to men of feebler character would have been in- 
surmountable. Trained to industry, and accustomed to rely 
upon his own resources, the anticipated hardships of the 
undertaking were not allowed to deter him from doing what 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 17 

appeared, under all the circumstances of his situation, to be 
right and proper. And, as to the undertaking itself, there 
was nothing in it disreputable. In those times, the sons of 
the most respectable farmers in Pennsylvania were accus- 
tomed to drive their teams, not only in conveying their own 
produce to market, but, also, in carrying freight for others, 
when time could be spared from their agricultural labours. 
It was, indeed, a dangerous employment in regard to morals, 
and many promising young men suffered severely in this 
respect, by the corrupting influence of those with whom 
they were obliged to mingle. And, it is quite probable, from 
what we have heard, that young Macurdy suffered in this 
way from his associations. But, with its dangers, this em- 
ployment had its advantages, to those who had penetration 
enough to improve them. It afforded very favourable oppor- 
tunities of acquiring a practical knowledge of human char- 
acter. And, that the subject of our remarks improved these 
opportunities successfully for the attainment of this object, 
will not be doubted by those who knew him. Few men 
were better skilled than he v.-as, in this department of know- 
ledge. 

We may, therefore, observe the wise arrangement of 
God's providence in this whole matter. Being shut up to 
this difficult and laborious course of action, he hereby learned 
to bear hardships, and became familiar with human charac- 
ter, in its different forms of developement. Attainments in 
both these particulars were of great importance to him after- 
wards, when invested with the office of a minister of the 



18 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

gospel. By the former, he was better prepared to "endure 
hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ;" and by the 
latter, to enter more readily into the true character of his 
fellow sinners, and by a wise discernment of the point of 
attack, to disarm their opposition, and win them to the Sa- 
viour. Indeed, it is not to be doubted, but that God was 
thus preparing him for those toilsome and perilous services, 
which, in future life, he was appointed to perform, and for 
the wise and successful disposal of the many perplexing 
cases which met him in the midst of ministerial and mis- 
sionary labour of a peculiarly responsible character. 

At Ligonier, he had an opportunity of hearing various 
ministers of the gospel, who were sent by the Presbytery, 
or who came of their own accord, to supply the people of 
that neighbourhood. Among others was the Rev. James 
Hughes, [1] under whose preaching, he received his first 
serious impressions. The great things pertaining to his 
salvation were presented to his mind by Mr. Hughes, in a 
form very different from that in which he had been accus- 
tomed to view them. The consequence was, that he was 
awakened from his slumber. Conscience sounded the alarm, 
and he determined that he would examine into the state- 
ments made by Mr. Hughes, and ascertain whether they 
were agreeable to the word of God or not He accordingly 
purchased a Bible, with which, until now, he had not sup- 
plied himself. This he read with care, and soon found that 
Mr. Hughes had advanced nothing which was not fully sus- 
tained by its authority. His dissatisfaction with his present 



THB LIFE OF MACURDY. 19 

condition was hereby greatly increased, and he formed the 
determination, that he would change his course, and seek 
for something better than that which he now enjoyed. He, 
therefore, engaged in the performance of outward duties — 
"did many things" — heard the ministers of the gospel with 
eager attention, and finally settled down in the confident 
persuasion, that he was the subject of true religion. Nor 
was he alone in this persuasion. His friends and neigh- 
bours around him, observing the great change which had 
taken place, in regard to his attendance on the means of 
grace, entertained the most favourable opinion of his piety. 
The common sentiment of the neighbourhood, was, proba- 
bly, that which was expressed on one occasion, by a good 
old lady, who remarked, that "If Mr. Macurdy had no reli- 
gion, God help the world !" The truth was, however, that 
he had no religion, in the proper spiritual import of the 
term. For, although he was diligent in his attention to the 
outward forms of religion, he erroneously rested on these 
forms, as the ground of his acceptance with God. Like the 
young ruler in the gospel, he was seeking to enter into life 
by some "good thing which he could do;" or, like the Jew», 
"being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to 
establish his own righteousness, he had not submitted him- 
self unto the righteousness of God." His religion, there- 
fore, was not the religion of the gospel of Jesus Christ, be- 
ing destitute of its most essential elements. 

In this state of mind, he continued for some time. His 
confidence in the safety of his condition was first shaken, 



20 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

by hearing the Rev. John M'Pherrin [2] preach a sermon 
founded on the following words, in Matt. 22: 42. "What 
think ye of Christ? " Of the manner in which the preach- 
er treated his subject, we are not informed. But, the effect 
upon the mind of Mr. Macurdy was decisive. He could 
not avoid the conviction, that if what Mr. M'Pherrin said 
were true, Christ was not in that scheme of religion in 
which he was trusting. With this thought, he was deeply 
and painfully impressed. It was scarcely ever absent from 
his mind. He became greatly distressed. He was not 
prepared to give up his legal hope ; and yet, according to 
the doctrine of the preacher, that hope did not rest upon 
Christ, who was the only sure foundation on which a sin- 
ner could safely build. For some time, he continued in 
this troubled and perplexed state of mind. At length, while 
walking out, upon a certain day, and meditating with great 
intensity of mind on his condition, he was suddenly enabled 
to discern, with as much distinctness as though he had seen 
it with his bodily eyes, that Christ was not in that religion, 
on which he had been placing his dependence. This 
brought him to the very point, almost, of giving it up. 
Still, he was assailed with the temptation, that his former 
scheme was right, and that Mr. M'Pherrin, by what he said 
about Christ, could not have intended to unsettle the grounds 
of his faith, but only to exhibit them under a different form. 
The subtile arts of the tempter, however, were not allowed 
to prevail over the full and clear convictions wrought in hi? 
mind by the Spirit of God. The truth could no longer be 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 21 

disguised, that in seeking salvation, he had left Christ out 
of the account, and had been building on a foundation of 
sand. Under the conviction of his error, he was led to 
abandon the hopes which he had entertained, and, account- 
ing his own righteousness as "filthy rags" in the sight of 
God, he had recourse to that righteousness, "which is 
through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of 
God by faith," as the sole ground of his dependence for 
eternal life. Thus, by the grace of God, he was brought 
off from the false and dangerous foundation on which he 
had built, and was enabled to rest upon Christ alone, "who, 
of God, was made unto him," as he is to all who believe, 
"wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemp- 
tion." 

Mr. Macurdy first made a public profession of his faith 
in Christ, in the church of Salem, of which the Rev. Mr. 
M'Pherrin was the pastor. A revival of religion was in 
progress, at the time. How Jong this was after he obtained 
satisfactory evidence of his interest in Christ, is not known. 
The occasion was one which was distinguished by the acces- 
sion of an unusually large number of men, who afterwards 
entered upon the work of the ministry. These were John, 
[4] Abraham, James, [5] and Benjamin Boyd, (brothers,) 
William Morehead, [6] John Thompson, and Richard 
M'Nemar, all of whom subsequently became ministers of 
the gospel. These, with Mr. Macurdy, all united with the 
church at the same time, and sat down together at the table 
of the Lord, to celebrate his dying love. The last named 



22 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

gentleman afterwards became extensively known, by his 
defection from the principles and order of the Presbyterian 
church, and his active zeal in nurturing and extending a 
wild and lawless fanatacism. 

At the time that Mr. Macurdy connected himself with the 
church, there was no settled pastor at Ligonier, the place of 
his residence. Feeling the importance of having the stated 
ministrations of the gospel, he took a leading part in secur- 
ing the erection of a house of worship. This is known by 
the name of the "Fairfield meeting house." To this he not 
only contributed of his means, but, also, gave his own per- 
sonal labour to accomplish the work. On the day of "the 
raising,"" he acted as one of the "corner men." And, both 
before and after the erection of the house, he was among 
the most active in procuring supplies from the Presbytery, 
and inducing the neighbouring pastors to visit and preach to 
them. Through his agency, Mr. M'Pherrin and Mr. Hughes 
frequently came and preached to the people at Ligonier. 
The assemblies, on these occasions, were very large, many 
persons walking four and five miles to hear the gospel pro- 
claimed by these servants of Christ. The word, moreover, 
was accompanied with great power. A very deep and sol- 
emn feeling prevailed throughout the congregation, and many 
of the people were often melted to tears. 

In addition to the efforts which he made to secure the la- 
bours of various ministers of the gospel, he was active in 
endeavoring, by his own personal exertions and influence, 
to promote the cause of Christ throughout his neighbour- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY* 23 

hood. God had prospered him in his secular interests, and 
although he continued to attend carefully to his farm, he had 
a good deal of time to bestow on the cause of religion, and 
the spiritual interests of his fellow men. This he did not 
fail to improve. When he went abroad, he was accustomed 
to carry with him " Alleine's Alarm," or some other small 
religious work, which he read to those whom he met on the 
way, and also conversed freely with them in relation to their 
souls. In this way he did much good, and was instrumen- 
tal in awakening a number of persons to a solemn attention 
to their eternal interests. Among those who were thus 
awakened and hopefully converted through his instrumen- 
tality, were Daniel Hendricks, James Gageby, and Joseph 
Ogden, all of whom afterwards became Ruling Elders in the 
Fairfield church. These men were accustomed to call him 
their spiritual father, and attributed their conversion, under 
God, to his agency. And it ought to be noted here, that he 
always accompanied his efforts for the salvation of others, 
with prayer. When he visited any one at his residence, he 
would invite him to walk out into the woods, and there, af- 
ter talking with him faithfully about his soul, would pour out 
his prayer to God on his behalf. He seems to have been 
deeply impressed with the importance aid power of prayer, 
both with regard to himself and others. Hence, we have 
been informed, that from the time he obtained a hope of his 
interest in Christ, he was accustomed to rise in the middle 
of the night, and engage in secret prayer. The same prac- 
tice he continued frequently after he became a minister. 



24 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

Here was the secret of his success. He leaned upon a 
power greater than his own. He put into requisition an 
energy above and beyond that which he himself possessed. 
" The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth 
much." 

It was not long after he made a profession of religion, that 
his mind was directed towards the work of the ministry. 
He felt a strong desire to preach the gospel to his fellow sin- 
ners. Some of his intelligent neighbours, also, observing his 
zeal, and the readiness and conciseness with which he com- 
municated his ideas to others, urged him to enter upon a 
course of preparation for preaching the gospel. He was 
kept back, however, for a considerable time, by a deep sense 
of his incompetency for the work. He looked upon the 
office of a gospel minister, as one of the most solemn and 
responsible character, and he feared lest he might prove in- 
sufficient for the discharge of its high and sacred functions. 
Happy would it be for the church of God, if every one 
whose attention is directed towards the ministry, were found 
approaching it, with the same humble sensibility and holy 
fear. The subject continued to press itself upon his mind, 
and distrusting his own judgment, he was induced to seek 
counsel from others. He had formed an intimate acquain- 
tance with the various ministers who supplied the church at 
Ligonier, and had frequent intercourse with them. They 
all concurred in the opinion, that he should turn his atten- 
tion to study. Among those who advised him to this 
course, was the Rev. George Hill, [7] who, during the 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 25 

progress of these events, had been invited to become the 
pastor of the church at Ligonier. He strongly urged him 
to the adoption of this plan. At length, he determined to 
submit the matter to the Presbytery, and to ask their coun- 
sel. He accordingly did so, and the Presbytery gave it as 
their unanimous opinion, that he should enter upon a course 
of study, with a view to the ministry. This settled the 
question, and he immediately prepared to go forward in 
what now appeared to him to be the path of duty. Not 
having a sufficient amount of means, from other sources, he 
sold his farm to raise the requisite funds, determined to ap- 
ply what God had given him, as the fruit of his own labour, 
to qualify himself for serving him in the gospel of his Son. 
This fact shows how much his heart was in the work, to 
which he had now resolved to consecrate himself. 

At this time there was no college in the West. To sup- 
ply the want, the Rev. Dr. John M'Millan, [13] and a few 
other friends of learning, in the year 1790, had founded the 
Canonsburgh Academy, which, in 1802, was merged in Jef- 
ferson College. This institution afforded to young men the 
opportunity of acquiring the elements of a liberal education. 
Having made the requisite arrangements, Mr. Macurdy left 
Ligonier, and proceeded to Canonsburgh, where he entered 
the Academy as a student A. D. 1792. Although he was 
then twenty-nine years of age, he seems not to have thought 
of seeking admission to the holy office of the ministry, with- 
out passing through a preparatory course of Academical and 

Theological study. He accordingly remained at Canons- 
2 



26 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

burgh until 1799^, during which period he completed the 
usual literary course prescribed in the institution, and studied 
Theology. His Theological studies were prosecuted under 
the direction of Dr. M'Millan, assisted occasionally by the 
Eev. Jolm Watson, [16] who was one of the Teachers in 
the Academy. 

Of tlie incidents of his life, during his residence at Can- 
onsburgh, we have but little information. He was not con- 
sidered eminent, as a scholar, but was highly esteemed by 
his fellow students and others, for his consistent and active 
piety. He is said to have been principally instrumental in 
the establishment of a weekly prayer meeting among the 
students, which is believed to have been continued down to 
the present time. The Rev. Robert Johnston says he found 
it in existence when he first went to Canonsburgh in 1796: 
and when he ceased his connection with the College as a 
Trustee in 1835, it w-as still in operation. At that time, 
sacramental seasons were occasions of great interest to the 
religious community throughout Western Pennsylvania. Pi- 
ous students and others looked forward to them with lively 
concern, and made it a point to attend upon them, as far as 
practicable, in the different churches within their reach. It 
was while on their way to Buffalo, to attend a meeting of this 
kind, that IVIr. Macurdy and Philip Jackson, a Ruling Elder 
in the church of Cross Roads, — commonly known by the 
name of "the praying Elder," — became acquainted. Hap- 
pening to fall in together, they proceeded in company, con- 
versing familiarly on the subject of religion. They were 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 27 

men of like spirit, and had drunk at the same fountain. 
Their intercourse soon became free and unrestrained. Phi- 
lip had a son who was wild and irreligious, for whose salva- 
tion he was deeply concerned. He made known the par- 
ticulars of his case to Mr. Macurdy, and desired him to turn 
aside with him into the woods, that they might unite in 
prayer for his conversion. His request was complied with, 
and in a grove near the road, with the aged Elder kneeling 
at his side, Mr. Macurdy poured out his soul to God, on be- 
half of this ungodly youth. Not long after this, young 
Jackson became seriously impressed, and hopefully con- 
verted. Philip ever afterwards connected this happy result 
with Mv. -Macurdy's prayer in the woods, and, on this ac- 
count, was very strongly attaclied to him. 

In the month of August, A. D. 1796, and during his resi- 
dence at Canonsburgh, Mr. Macurdy was married to Miss 
Sarah Briceland, daughter of Thomas Briceland of that 
place, and formerly of Carlisle. Of the wisdom of his 
course in this particular, we are not able at this distance of 
time to decide very accurately. But, as a general rule, we 
have no hesitation in saying, that it is extremely indiscreet 
for young men to enter into the marriaoe relation, during 
their literary and theological course. It is adding cares at 
a time when they must necessarily interfere with their active 
preparations for professional life. It often subjects them to 
pecuniary expenditures, beyond what they are able to bear, 
and thus obliges them to shorten their period of study, and 
hurry into their profession with very imperfect preparation. 



28 THE LIFE or MACUiiDY. 

And subsequent events have given occasion for the remark, 
that connections formed under such circumstances are not 
always of the most judicious kind. In Mr. Macurdy's case, 
the force of these objections was somewhat diminished, by 
the peculiarities of his situation. He was not an inexpe- 
rienced youth, but a man of mature age and experience. 
He was not in so much danger, on this account, of making 
an injudicious selection. And the event proved, that he had 
acted with much christian discretion, in the choice of his 
companion, as she was a most excellent woman, whose pie- 
ty and missionary spirit were happily in harmony with his 
own. He had, moreover, sufficient means of support for 
himself and his wife, to enable him to complete his full 
term of study. These facts, if they do not justify, may 
apologize for the course which he adopted, and ought to 
prevent it from being drawn into a precedent to be followed 
by others, whose circumstances are wholly dissimilar. 

Having completed his literary and theological course of 
preparation, and having satisfied the Presbytery of his qual- 
ifications, by the exhibition of the accustomed parts of trial, 
he was licensed to preach the gospel, by the Presbytery of 
Ohio, on the 26th day of June, A. D. 1799, at the church 
of Upper Buffalo, Washington county, Pennsylvania. At 
the same time and place, the Presbytery licensed the Rev. 
Joseph Stockton, [17] afterwards well known in Western 
Pennsylvania, as a respectable and useful minister of Jesus 
Christ. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 29 



CHAPTER II. 

His First Sermon — Missionary Tour to Erie — Second Tour — Invita- 
tions to Settle — Declines their Acceptance — Urgency of the Churches 
— His Perplexity — Accepts the Call to Cross- Roads and Three Springs 
— State of Things in the Church, at the Time of his Settlement — 
Plans of Instruction and Pastoral Labour — Temperance Eiforts — 
Whiskey at a Funeral — Stage Coach — Mr. and Mrs. Colt — Cases of 
Spiritual Conflict. 

On tlie next Sabbath after he was licensed, Mr. Macurdy 
delivered his first sermon in the church of Chartiers, of 
which his theological instructor, the Rev. Dr. M'Millan, was 
the pastor. On the Sabbath following, he preached at Cross 
Roads, where he afterwards settled. Shortly after this, he 
set out, accompanied by Mr. Stockton, on a missionary tour 
to the town of Erie, and the region bordering on the lake of 
that name. On his way, he preached at Thorn's tent, a k\v 
miles from the place where Butler now stands — also, at El- 
liott's settlement, now known as Plain Grove — at M'Clure's 
— at Sandy Creek — at Brook's station — at Meadville — and 
at Davis', on French Creek. As the country between this 
last place and Le Bceuf was yet uninhabited, he proceeded 
to Erie. There he met with a Col. Wallace, who received 

him with great kindness, and treated him with much cour- 
se 



30 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

tesy and attention. A number of soldiers were stationed 
there, under his command. These, together with the citi- 
zens, formed a respectable congregation, and were forward 
in their attendance on the public worship of God. After 
labouring together here for a short time, he and Mr. Stock- 
ton seperated, Stockton going to Lower Greenfield, and Mr. 
Macurdy proceeding up the lake. Col. Wallace showed his 
regard for him, and his interest in his mission, by accompa- 
nying him as far as the mouth of Elk Creek, where he 
parted from him and returned home. Mr. Macurdy went 
on until he reached the mouth of Crooked Creek, where he 
was kindly entertained at the house of a Capt. Holliday. 
At that place, and at a place in the vicinity called "Silver- 
thorn Settlement," he had opportunities for preaching the 
gospel, which he gladly embraced. Thence he went to 
Lexington, on Comieaut Creek, where he sp^nt a Sabbath. 
Two days afterwards, he reached Colt's Station, near the 
Conneaut Lake, having experienced much fatigue, and been 
obliged to encamp out one nigiit on the way. From Colt's 
he directed his course to the outlet of the Conneaut Lake^ 
where he was again joined by Mr. Stockton. In that vicin- 
ity, they preached at the house of a Mr. Wilson, on the 
margin of the Pymatuning swamp. They also visited a 
number of places throughout that region, preaching as they 
had opportunity. Having completed their tour, and preach- 
ed the gospel in many destitute portions of the country,, 
they returned to their respective homes. 
After remaining at home two weeks, and preaching at 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 31 

Cross Roads and Three Springs, he again set out on a 
second tour, for the purpose of visiting the churches and 
settlements, through which he had before passed. Of the 
details of this journey, we are not advised, except that he 
put matters in train for the organization of a number of 
churches, and preached the gospel to many who rarely had 
the privilege of hearing it. From this tour he returned in 
October, and met his Presbytery at Montours, on the third 
Tuesday of that month. At that meeting of Presbytery, 
the united congregations of Cross Koads and Three Springs 
made application for his labours, during the succeeding win- 
ter. A similar application was made, by the united congre- 
gations of the Forks of Beaver and Shenango. Each of 
these churches, thus united, had it in view ultimately to set- 
tle him, as their pastor. In this state of things, the Presby- 
tery appointed him to preach to these several congregations, 
as often as practicable, until their winter meeting. At that 
meeting, calls were presented from each of the united con- 
gregations already named, inviting him to become their pas- 
tor. The original call from the congregations of Three 
Springs and Cross Roads, has been put into our hands. It 
is dated November 20th, 1799, and is signed by Philip 
Jackson, James Proudfoot, Samuel Merchant, Samuel Mar- 
quiss, James Merchant, William Jackson, John Goodman 
Young, William Lee, John Coulter, John Wylie, William 
Ledlie, and John Orr. The salary promised him was one 
hundred and twenty pounds, to be paid in regular yearly 
payments, one half in cash, the other half in merchantable 



32 THE LirE OF MACURDY. 

wheat, at market price, to be delivered at any place, which 
the pastor might appoint, not more than five miles distant 
from the respective meeting houses. These calls he de- 
clined, having a very strong desire to labour among the in- 
habitants of the more remote frontier settlements. At the 
urgent request, however, of the commissioners from the con- 
gregations, which had presented the calls, he consented to 
preach to them until the next Spring. 

At the spring meeting of the Presbytery, there were rep- 
resentatives present from each of the united congregations, 
who urged, with much earnestness, the acceptance of their 
respective calls. The commissioners from the Forks of 
Beaver and Slienango, Avere Alexander Wright and John 
Montieth ; from Cross Roads and Three Springs, Thomas 
Hunt and Philip Jackson. Between these commissioners 
and Mr. Macurcty, daily conferences were held, during the 
first three days of the sessions of the Presbytery ; they urg- 
ing the acceptance of their calls respectively, and he as ur- 
gently demanding, that they should withdraw them. As the 
matter was not likely to be settled in this way, it was finally 
agreed that the Presbytery should hear the commissioners, 
and decide which of the calls he should accept, and that he 
should be governed by their decision. The commissioners 
were accordingly heard, and their claims submitted. In fa- 
vour of the Forks of Beaver and Shenango, Messrs. Wright 
and Montieth made long and able speeches. In behalf of 
Cross Roads and Three Springs, Mr. Hunt, being a young 
man, said but little. But, Philip Jackson spoke at length 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 33 

and with great effect. There was a touching pathos in his 
manner, which moved the members of Presbytery to tears. 
So nearly balanced, however, were the claims and arguments 
presented by each party, that the Presbytery were unable to 
come to anything like a unanimous decision. When the 
votes were counted, it was found, that five were in favour of 
the Forks of Beaver and Shenango, four in favour of Cross 
Roads and Three Springs, and seven were 7wn liquets. In 
view of this divided state of the vote, neither having a ma- 
jority of the whole number of members, the moderator — the 
Rev. Thomas Marquis, [18] declared that there was no 
decision. The effect of this was to throw the matter back 
into the hands of the parties, to be setded by themselves. 
In their farther conferences on the subject, Mr. Macurdy in- 
sisted that the calls should be withdrawn. But, to this, the 
paities on the other side wotdd not consent. In this state 
of the case, the commissioners from Cross Roads and Three 
Springs, having consulted some of the people from those 
churches who were present, proposed to the other commis- 
sioners, that Ke should preach two Sabbaths alternately, at 
each place, until the full, and that then he himself should 
make the selection of the place of his setdement. This 
proposition, the commissioners from the other congregations 
abrupdy, and, as some thought, rather uncourteously rejected, 
demanding an immediate decision, either to give them the 
whole of the time, or none. The peremptory spirit evinced 
by them on the occasion, and the conciliatory disposition 
exhibited by the others, in the proposition submitted, is be- 



§4 . THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

lieved to have had considerable influence on Mr. Macurdy's 
mind, in favour of his acceptance of the call from Cross 
Roads and Three Springs. The opinion of Dr. M'Millan, 
also, whom he consulted freely on the subject, and who 
knew all the circumstances of the case, and the whole state 
of his mind, had great weight with him. He advised him 
to accept their call, expressing his strong conviction, that the 
providential indications were in that direction, and that God 
had decided the matter in their favour. This settled the 
question in his mind. He accordingly declared his accep- 
tance of their call, and was ordained and installed pastor of 
the united congregations of Cross Roads and Three Springs, 
by the Presbytery of Ohio, in the month of June, A. D. 
1800. 

The congiegation of Cross Roads, which was to be, in 
part, the theatre of his future labours, had its origin in the 
organization of a church at King's Creek. The facts in re- 
lation to it, are set forth in the following extract from a man- 
uscript histoty of the church of Cross Roads, drawn up by 
a committee of the session appointed for that purpose. 

" When the country which is now inhabited by the mem- 
bers of the Cross Roads congregation was settled, there was 
no Presbyterian church organized West or North of Cross 
Creek. At that place, there was an organized church, which 
enjoyed the one half of the ministerial labours of the Rev. 
Joseph Smith. [19] Perhaps about the year 1786, the Pres- 
byterian population of this country had become so consider- 
able, that they obtained an organization at a place called 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 35 

King's Creek. Messrs. Philip Jackson, Miles Wilson, and 
John M'Millan were elected and ordained Ruling Elders, 
and constituted the first session in this region of country. 
A meeting house was erected at King's Creek, and the ordi- 
nance of the Lord's Supper was ".dministered in August, A. 
D. 1788, for the first time, in that place. For some years, 
the people met at that place, for public worship, and *here 
was good reason to hope that God was present by the influ- 
ences of his Spirit. A considerable number were added to 
the church there, of such as we hope shall be saved. But, 
before they obtained any part of the labours of a minister, 
it was thought that the location was not a good one. A con- 
gregation had been organized at Mill Creek, about eight 
miles North of King's Creek. It was, therefore, determin- 
ed to change the location from King's Creek to the place 
where the road from Pittsburgh to Steubenville crossed the 
road from Washington to Georgetown, about three miles 
South East of the first location. The change of the place 
of worc'hip was accompanied with a change of name ; and 
this may be considered the origin of the Cross Roads con- 
gregation. This change of location took place about the 
year 1798." 

Of the early history of the congregation of Three Springs 
we have not been able to procure any accurate information, 
except, that of the gentlemen whose names are subscribed to 
the call, as stated above, John Goodman Young, William 
Lee, John Wylie, and John Orr, were Ruling Elders in that 
congregation, at the time of Mr. Macurdy's settlement among 
them. 



S6 THE LIFE OF MACURDY* 

The circumstances under which Mr. Macurdy entered 
upon his pastoral labours among these people, were, in 
some respects, highly encouraging. They had taken great 
pains to prepare the way for his favourable reception among 
them. Before they made out their call, they held a special 
meeting for prayer, and the peaceful adjustment of all their 
personal controversies, so that nothing might remain to mar 
ministerial usefulness and success. The young people, also 
evinced a strong desire to have him for their pastor. Dur- 
ing the pendency of the call, forty, or more of them, united 
in a memorial, earnestly entreating him not to decline the 
call of the church. And, that it might have the greater ef- 
fect, they took measures to have it presented to him by 
young Jackson, who had been brought into the church in 
answer to his prayers. The people of God, also, were 
much engaged at a throne of grace, in reference to his set- 
tlement. Hence, Philip Jackson remarked, on a certain oc- 
casion afterwards, that nothing could seperate Mr. Macurdy 
from them, as God had sent him to them in answer to pray- 
er. A stated weekly prayer meeting, moreover, had been 
organized, and was in successful operation. Others were 
held occasionally, as circumstances required. These meet- 
ings were sometimes transferred to different parts of the 
congregation, and were believed to be of great value in pro- 
moting the cause of true religion. About this time, also, 
the monthly concert of prayer was introduced, and statedly 
observed on the first Thursday of each month. All these 
various meetings for prayer were carefully cherished by Mr. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 37 

Macurdy, and no doubt were largely instrumental in improv- 
ing the piety of God's people, and drawing down upon them 
and himself more abundant influences of the Spirit of grace. 

From the commencement of his ministrations among the 
people of his pastoral charge, he adopted the plan of expo- 
sitory preaching or lecturing, a portion of his time. In the 
morning of the Sabbath, he generally lectured, and in the af- 
ternoon delivered a sermon. According to this arrangement, 
he expounded, in order, during the early part of his minis- 
try, the Book of Psalms, and the Epistle to the Romans. 
This method of instruction was much more common at that 
period of the church, than it is at present. The practice oi 
lecturing has, to a great extent, been laid aside. This, we 
believe, has not been an improvement— and, the sooner aur 
ministers return to the old plan of lecturing a part of the 
time, the better it will be for the spiritual interests of the 
church. 

In preparing his sermons and lectures, his general prac- 
tice was to make short notes and form a skeleton, although 
he never kept his notes before him in the pulpit. Frequent- 
ly, however, he took no notes ; and he never trained him- 
self to the habit of writing out his discourses at full length. 
He himself informed the author, that he never wrote more 
than one or two sermons, after he was licensed. He was 
too far advanced in life, when he entered the ministry, to 
acquire the habit of writing, and committing to memory what 
he had written, without an undue amount of labour. But, 

although he did not write, he made careful preparation, 
3 



38 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

whenever time permitted. If, however, the occasion re- 
quired him to appear before a congregation without much 
special preparation, he generally acquitted himself well. 
Few men had greater facility in preaching on short notice, 
or with little time for previous study. Hence, it is reported, 
that Dr. M'Millan used to say, in reference to him, that he 
never cared to give him more than two hours to prepare a 
sermon. His perceptions were quick, and his feelings strong 
and ardent. When his. mind laid hold of a subject, it was 
with a vigorous grasp, and he soon adjusted its parts, and 
fitted them for use. He had great power of condensation, 
and those who heard him often in the earlier periods of his 
ministry, represent him to have been a very effective preach- 
er. He had a peculiar novelty and energy of manner, and 
often said very striking things, which operated powerfully 
upon the feelings of his audience. His sermons had very 
little of the polish and refinement of rhetoric about them, 
sQid judged by the established canons of sermonizing, would 
not have borne very rigid criticism. But his direct, earnest, 
and forcible manner, was well adapted to secure the atten- 
tion, and reach the consciences of his hearers. His prac- 
tice of lecturing upon the Psalms, necessarily brought him 
into close contact with the mental habits and exercises of 
men, and led him to make dissections of the human charac- 
ter of the most searching and profitable kind. And the re- 
sults of his subsequent ministrations prove, that he was not 
wanting in the faithful exhibition of the truth, and that his 
labours were owned of God for the salvation of many souls. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 99 

111 arranging his plan of pastoral labour among his people, 
he connected with the preaching of the gospel, family visita- 
tion and catechetical instruction. He visited from house to 
house, and catechised in districts alternately, during the winter 
season. One winter he employed in visiting, and another in 
catechising. His pastoral charge extended over a large geo- 
graphical surface, about twenty miles in length, and ten in 
breadth. It was divided into districts, each district being 
under the supervision of a Ruling Elder, residing within its 
limits. In each of these, he held catechetical meetings. 
iVnd, when he had completed his circuit, his practice was to 
have a general meeting at the church, at which the whole 
congregation attended. At these meetings he was accustom- 
ed to examine all, both old and young. Sometimes ques- 
tions were previously assigned, to which the people were re- 
quired to prepare answers. At other times, he proceeded 
without any previous appointment of the subjects of exami- 
nation. He was very particular in calling upon the children 
to repeat their catechisms ; and when asking them questions 
he would frequently stop and explain the subjects embraced 
in them, for the benefit of those of more advanced years. 
The whole was followed, at the close, with some pointed, 
practical remarks, intended to impress upon the minds of all 
present, the instructions which had been imparted. In his 
course of family visitation, he made it a point to inquire and 
ascertain whether parents were faithful in the observance of 
family worship, and he suffered none to remain in the church 
who lived in the neglect of this duty. 



40 THE LIFE OF MACURDY, 

Sabbath schools and Bible classes were introduced in the 
early part of his ministry. On these, the whole congrega- 
tion would sometimes attend and be examined. The exer- 
cises, on these occasions, exerted a good influence, and were 
deemed valuable, as a means of awakening conviction, and 
creating an interest in favour of religion. His attention was 
early directed to the young men of his charjre. A large 
class of these were enrolled, of such as were willing to de- 
vote a portion of their time to the acquisition of religious 
knowledge. These were subdivided into four classes, each 
of which had studies differing from the others. The first 
class was instructed in the Doctrines of religion; the second, 
in the History of the Bible; and the rest, in some other por- 
tions of Biblical truth. A leading object, which he had in 
view, in the formation of these classes, was to make the 
young men well acquainted with the system of doctrines 
contained in our Confession of Faith and Catechisms. No 
doubt, he entertained the hope, that he might be instrumen- 
tal in thus preparing some of them for the gospel ministry, 
if it should please God to sanction his eflbrts, by making 
them the subjects of his grace. Nor was he disappointed. 
One of these young men was Francis M'Farland, now the 
Rev. Dr. M'Farland of Virginia, and formerly the Corres- 
ponding Secretary of the General Assembly's Board of Ed- 
ucation. Another was Ezekiel Glasgow, [21] who entered 
the ministry, and of whom comparatively liitle is known, as 
he died young. Dr. M'Farland, however, is extensively and 
favourably known, and yet lives, to attest the fidelity with 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 41 

which he and others \yere instructed by their pastor in the 
knowledge of the truth. 

As already stated, Mr. Macurdy was a temperance man 
from early youth — a "teetotaller" — who both advocated and 
practised the doctrine of total abstinence from intoxicating 
drinks. He availed himself of the earliest and most favour- 
able opportunities, after he entered on his ministry, to diffuse 
his principles, and to put a stop to the progress of intemper- 
ance. The usages of his neighbourhood, at that time, was 
to have whiskey at funerals, of which the people were in- 
vited to partake. On one occasion, not very long after his 
setdement, he was called to attend a funeral in his vicinity. 
The people were formed into a circle, and persons were 
wailing to distribute the whiskey and cakes among them. 
Preparatory to this, he was called upon to implore God's 
blessing on the refreshment. He replied, that he could not 
ask a blessing upon the whiskey, and positively refused. 
Application was then made to an Elder present, who com- 
plied with the request, and the whiskey and cakes were dis- 
tributed. The repast being over, Mr. Macurdy was invited 
to address the people. He did so. His text, to use his own 
expressive language, was, "Whiskey at a funeral." And so 
effectually did he preach from it, that whiskey was rarely 
ever seen again at a funeral in that neighbourhood. 

It was the custom then, as it is now, when the Presbytery 

met in a country congregation, to have a dinner provided for 

the members, at the church in which they held their sessions. 

On those occasions, ardent spirits of some kind were always 
3* 



42 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

furnished, and constituted part of the beverage. This, Mr. 
Macurdy disliked, and at the second meeting of the Presby- 
tery, at which he was present, he made an attack on tlie 
practice, determined, if possible, to have it abolished. In 
this, he was seconded by the Rev. John Anderson, [22] who 
accorded with him in his views, on this subject. Upon his 
first settlement at Buffalo, Mr. Anderson had hesitated to go 
the whole length, in requiring total abstinence. The follow- 
ing occurrence, however, brought him fully out. At the 
raising of a barn on his own farm, he had, according to the 
custom of the time, furnished the men with whiskey. One 
;of them drank to excess, became violent, and insulted and 
cursed him to his face. Some of the company were greatly 
incensed at him for his profanity and rudeness, and were 
about to inflict on him personal chastisement. Mr. Ander- 
son, feeling that he had been the occasion of the mischief, 
would not permit it, but told them to "lei him alone and let 
him curse; for the Lord had bidden him;" that he himself 
was to blame. The result was, that from that time forward 
he became the open and decided friend and advocate of total 
abstinence. He was, therefore, prepared to enter heartily 
into the views of Mr. Macurdy, and to co-operate with him 
in his efforts to banish ardent spirits from their Presbyterial 
dinners. Some impression was made upon the members of 
Presbytery at this meeting, but no definite action secured. 
At some subsequent meetings, the subject was brought up 
and discussed. Messrs. Marquis and James Hughes threw 
their influence in favour of the proposed reformation. En- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 49 

couraged by this accession of strength, they renewed their 
efforts, and finally succeeded in carrying a resolution, exclu- 
ding ardent spirits from their Presbyterial assemblies, and 
advising their congregations to banish them from their rais- 
ings, log-rollings, and harvest fields, as well as to abstain 
from their use in private, as individuals. 

From the apparent reluctance with which the Presbytery 
entered into this measure, we are not to infer that any of 
the members were inclined to intemperance. This would 
be doing them great injustice. It is not known that a single 
member had any fondness for strong drink. But the fault 
was one which belonged to the times. The subject was not 
understood. The plan of arresting the ravages of intem- 
perance, by total abstinence, was new, and when proposed, 
even good men were slow in adopting it. 

Mr. Macurdy continued to exert his influence in favour 
of the cause of temperance, in various ways. He encour- 
aged the circulation of sermons and tracts on the subject. 
And, afterwards, when the public mind was sufticiently en- 
lightened, he aided in the formation of societies, throughout 
his neighbourhood. Into the constitution of these societies, 
the state of public opinion, at that time, did not admit the 
introduction of a pledge reaching farther than the exclusion 
of ardent spirits, as a common beverage. His principles, 
however, led him further, and he sought to secure total ab- 
stinence from all mtoxicating drinks. He embraced every 
favourable opportunity to testify his abhorrence of the vice 
of intemperance, and to correct the vicious habits of those 



44 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

who had become its slaves. And, where men of less firm- 
ness of character would have shrunk from the responsibility 
connected with open rebuke, he never hesitated to incur 
any amount of it, which fidelity to his principles demand- 
ed. The following anecdote will attest the truth of this 
remark. 

On a certain occasion, he was travelling in a stage coach, 
accompanied by a young minister or licentiate, who asbumed 
to have more than common zeal in the temperance cause. 
At one of the stopping places on the road, a stranger entered 
the coach. From the stench of his breath, which was very 
offensive, it was soon discovered, that he had been drinking 
to excess. The young preacher immediately launched out 
into a strain of severe animadversion on the horrible evils of 
intemperance. Mr. Macurdy, with less ostentation, but with 
not less point, also spoke freely of the pernicious character 
of this vile habit. The man was not so much intoxicated, 
as not to be able to discern the tendency and design of these 
remarks. Turning to the young minister, he said with some 
gruffness and vehemence of manner, "I suppose, sir, you 
intend these remarks for me." The zeal of our youthful 
reformer was somewhat cooled, by this pointed and personal 
appeal. He perhaps felt some alarm at the fierce determin- 
ation, which sai upon the face of the half drunk passenger. 
He, therefore, promptly, but not without agitation, replied, 
"O no, sir: we had no reference to you. Our remarks were 
entirely of a general character, without any personal allu- 
sion." Mr. Macurdy could not endure this cowardly eva- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 4,5 

sion, but immediately exclaimed, looking the drunken man 
full in the Aice, "Yes, sir: our remarks were intended for 
you. Your breath stinks like a whiskey barrel ; and what 
we have said was for the purpose of leading you to reflect 
on your filthy and abominable practice, and, at once, to aban- 
don it." The passenger was confounded, hung his head m 
shame, and at one of the nearest watering places, left the 
stage. 

In the spring of 1802, Mr. Macurdy was sent by his Pres- 
bytery to visit the various settlements which he had visited 
in 1799, and in connection with the preaching of the gospel, 
to do what he could towards the organization of churches. 
How far he succeeded in efiecting such organizations, we 
are not informed. But, subsequent events proved, that his 
ministrations were not without beneficial results. At Lower 
Greenfield where he preached, his labours were blessed to 
the conversion of a Canadian who was present. From that 
place, he addressed a letter to Judah Colt, Esq. Land Agent 
at Upper Greenfield, — which was about sixteen miles from 
Erie, — informing him of his intention to go thither and 
preach. He accordingly went, at the time appointed, and 
was received very kindly by Mr. Colt, who was a gentle- 
man of polished manners, but a man of the world, without 
any pretentions to religion. At his house, he preached to 
about fifty people. During the service, Mr. Colt seemed 
deeply interested. At the close of the exercises, and as 
soon as the congregation was dismissed, he arose and re- 
quested the people to remain, that they might concert mea- 



46 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

sures to secure the stated preaching of the gospel. To this 
he urged them with great earnestness. The exigency of 
their case, he alleged, required prompt action ; "for," said 
he, "we are all going to hell together." Measures were ac- 
cordingly adopted, to secure one-fourth part of a minister's 
time and labours, towards the accomplishment of which Mr. 
Colt himself subscribed fifty dollars. When the subscrip- 
tion was filled up, Mr. Macurdy was informed of the result, 
and he promised to use his best efforts to send them a min- 
ister. 

The next morning Mr. Colt took occasion to disclose to 
him the state of his mind. He was deeply distressed on 
account of his sins, and expressed great anxiety about the 
salvation of his soul. After conversing with him, and giv- 
ing him some suitable instructions, Mr. Macurdy left him 
and returned home ; but not without earnest entreaties, on 
the part of Colt, that he would return again as soon as prac- 
ticable. 

After remaining at home some time, Mr. Macurdy wrote 
to Mr. Colt, intimating to him his intention to pay him a se- 
cond visit. This he did, accompanied by Mrs. Macurdy and 
Philip Jackson, his praying Elder. Upon their arrival they 
were received by Mr. and Mrs. Colt in a very cordial man- 
ner, and entertained with great hospitality. Towards the 
evening of the day on which they arrived, Mr. Colt propo- 
sed to Mr. Macurdy to ride out and take a view of his farm. 
To this he assented, and having mounted their horses, they 
proceeded along a lane which connected, at its termination, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 47 

with a grove of trees. Upon tlieir reaching the end of this 
lane, Mr. Colt ohserved, that they had gone far enough, and 
proposed that they should alight from their horses, and sit. 
down in the grove. He remarked, moreover, that he did 
not care now to show him his farm, but wished to confer 
with him about the state of his soul. Mr. Macurdy cheer- 
fully acceded to his wishes, and in a few minutes they were 
deeply engaged in a free and interesting conversation, in re- 
ference to his eternal interests. After spending some time 
in this manner, they returned to the house. 

Mr. Macurdy embraced the first convenient opportunity 
which offered, to inform Pliilip Jackson of the state of Colt's 
mind, and of the hopes he entertained respecting him. Phi- 
lip, however, looked upon his case with distrust. He had 
formed an unfavourable opinion of both Mr. and Mrs. Colt. 
They were persons of accomplished manners, and Mrs. 
Colt was rather gay in her dress. With his rough training, 
and ignorance of polished society, he had taken up the opin- 
ion, that these persons had too much refinement and ele- 
gance, both in their manners, and style of living, to have 
any religion. He, therefore, received Mr. Macurdy's state- 
ment with suspicion, and determined to avail himself of the 
first opportunity to subject them to a searching examination, 
and judge for himself. This, Mr. Macurdy was willing 
and desirous that he should do. That same evening, there- 
fore, he and Mrs. Macurdy retired early to rest, for the pur- 
pose of giving Philip the opportunity which he sought. 
Shordy after they had left the parlour, Philip drew his 



48 THE LIFE OF MACTJRDY. 

chair near to Mr. Colt, and remarked, that if he had no 
objection, he would like to have some conversation with him 
and Mrs. Colt about their souls. Mr. Colt assured him, that 
it would be very agreeable to them, and to show their readi- 
ness for the conference, they took their seats, one at each 
side of him. Thus situated, the conversation proceeded with 
great interest on both sides. It was of a close and searching 
character, relating to the inward exercises of the soul, on the 
subject of religion. In this conference, a considerable part 
of the night was spent, and they retired at an hour, which 
left but little time for sleep. In the morning, Philip was 
early out of bed, and hastened, with feelings of lively joy, 
to communicate to Mr. Macurdy the result of the conversa- 
tion, and to assure him, that he believed both Mr. and Mrs. 
Colt to be christians. He was particularly pleased with Mrs. 
Colt, who, with all his past prejudices against her, he could 
not help thinking, had "the heart's blood of religion in her." 
On the first or second Sabbath subsequent to these occur- 
rences, Mr. Macurdy had an appointment to administer the 
Lord's Supper at Lower Greenfield. Mr. and Mrs. Colt 
attended, and were among the candidates for admission to 
the Lord's table. Mrs. Colt's evidences, upon examination, 
appeared clear and satisfactory, and she was admitted. The 
same clearness did not exist, in the case of Mr. Colt, and 
Mr. Macurdy, after a full conference with him, advised him 
to delay his connection with the church. On the morning 
of the communion, after the preliminary services were over 
and the communicants seated at the table, and while the as- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 49 

sistant minister was leading in prayer, Mr. Macurdy heard 
some person near him sobbing, and looking up, observed it 
to be Mr. Colt. As soon as the prayer was ended, Mr. Colt, 
no longer able to restrain himself, approached and with an au- 
dible voice, said, "Brethren, I come to seek admission at the 
eleventh hour." In reply, Mr. Macurdy requested him to 
wait for the second table, and in the mean time, he and Phi- 
lip Jackson had a brief conversation with him. He stated 
to them, that he had obtained some clear views of Jesus, as 
the Mediator of the New Covenant, and had given himself 
up entirely to him, and was trusting in his righteousness 
alone for salvation. Upon this information, he was admit- 
ted, and united with his brethren in commemorating the death 
of Christ, at his own table. It was an interesting and de- 
lightful occasion. From that time forward, Mr. and Mrs. 
('olt adorned their profession, by a consistent christian de- 
portment. He set up family worship, which, in his absence, 
was conducted by Mrs. Colt. She was aware of the re- 
proach which she would have to suffer from her gay acquain- 
tance, on this account. In anticipation of this, she applied 
to Mrs. Macurdy to direct her to such passages of scripture, 
as might be useful to her, in vindicating her course, and re- 
futing their cavils. Whether she yet lives to honour the re- 
ligion of Christ, is not known to the writer. Her husband 
died, some years ago, in the faith of a blessed immortality, 
through the merits of his Redeemer. He was an active and 
liberal christian. Having no children, he left a large share 
of his property to benevolent objects. Among other bene- 



50 THE LIFE OF iMACURDY. 

factions, he bequeathed five hundred dollars to the Western 
Theological Seminary of the Presbyterian church, at Alle- 
gheny city. 

While Mr. Macurdy was thus leading others to Christ, he 
himself was not without some severe mental conflicts. On 
one occasion, not very long, perhaps, before the period of 
which we have been speaking, he had agreed to preach at a 
certain house, within the bounds of the congregation of the 
Rev. Thomas E. Hughes, [23] where Mr. Hughes was to 
meet him. At the time appointed, he proceeded to fulfil his 
engagement, accompanied by Mr. Robert Johnston, then a 
student of Theology. On the way, he appeared dejected, 
and told Mr. Johnston, — to whom we are indebted for these 
facts, — that he could not preach ; that the subject which he 
had prepared for the occasion, had gone from his mind, and 
that he could neither recall it, nor any other. On their 
reaching the place appointed, they found that the people 
were not collected, and that Mr. Hughes, whom they had 
expected to meet there, had not arrived. These, and some 
other incidental circumstances, added to the gloom of his 
mind. His inward distress increased, and he felt a deep 
and overwhelming sense of his inability to preach. All was 
darkness, without a single ray of light. To preach was out 
of the question. He said it was impossible for him to utter 
a word. In this state of mind, and while the people, who 
had begun to come in, were assembling, he left the house 
and retired to the barn. As he remained out long beyond 
the hour appointed for the commencement of the services, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 51 

Mr. Johnston went in search of him, and found him pros- 
trate upon some straw which lay on the barn floor, in great 
distress of mind. He told him that the people were assem- 
bled and waiting for him. Mr. Macurdy replied, that he 
would not attempt to preach ; that he could not possibly ut- 
ter a single sentence. Finding that he could not induce him 
to preach, Mr. Johnston insisted that he should, at least, re- 
turn to the house and inform the people that they need not 
expect public worship. To this he assented, and on return- 
ing to the house, at the suggestion of Mr. Johnston, he read 
a hymn, which was sung, and engaged in prayer. During 
the time of prayer, he seemed to acquire great liberty. He 
became deeply earnest and solemn in his addresses to the 
throne of grace. His soul seemed to rise and expand, as 
he wrestled with God, and it was very evident that light had 
broken in upon his mind, and that his burden was removed. 
The event proved tliis to have been the case. For, at the 
close of the prayer, his subject had returned, and was fresh 
and full before his mind, so that, instead of dismissing the 
people, as he had intended, he immediately proceeded with 
his discourse. His text was, Ephesians 2:1, "And you 
hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins." 
In reference to his sermon, Mr. Johnston writes, "I cannot 
pretend to give you even a synopsis of it. I can only say, 
that the description he gave us of the deplorable condition 
of the sinner, dead in trespasses and sins, and of the power 
and grace employed in his spiritual resurrection, was drawn 
to the life. From the commencement, his subject appeared 



52 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

to open before him, thoughts and words flowed in upon him, 
and he addressed us in a strain of eloquence, and with an 
energy, beyond what I ever heard from his lips at any sub- 
sequent period. Mr. Hughes came at the close of the ser- 
vice, but not in time to enjoy the feast." 

A somewhat similar anecdote, of a rather later date than 
the foregoing, is related of the Rev. Mr. M'Pherrin, who 
has been already mentioned in connection with the conver- 
sion of Mr. Macurdy. At the time referred to, his mind 
became greatly oppressed and deeply enveloped in spiritual 
darkness. This continued for two years. During that pe- 
riod, he was destitute of all religious comfort, and his habit- 
ual feeling was, that he was altogether unfit to preach the 
gospel. Having "put his hand to the plough," however, he 
determined that he would not look back. He, therefore, 
continued to preach with the same constancy, as if his mind 
had been in a more comfortable frame. On a sacramental 
occasion at Scrubgrass, where the Rev, Robert Johnston was 
the pastor, Mr. M'Pherrin and one or two other ministers 
were present. He was invited to preach on the Monday 
following the communion, but promptly declined. The 
other brethren, however, without any previous concert, or 
any very prominent reason, insisted, with united importu- 
nity, that he should preach. After repeated refusals, he 
finally yielded to their wishes, and entered the pulpit, almost 
by compulsion. A thick, dark cloud hung over his mind, 
and he commenced the exercises with a heavy heart. But, 
while engaged in prayer before the sermon, his burden seem- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 53 

ed to give way, the dark cloud began to disperse, and before 
he ckised his prayer, light was poured, with heavenly ra- 
diance, into his mind, and all was joy and peace. lie took 
his text from Matthew 11 : 28, "Coine unto me, all ye that 
labour, and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest ;" and 
in a discourse of two hours in length he poured forth his 
soul in a volume of the most persuasive and heavenly truth. 

With this signal and happy result, the transactions of the 
preceding night had, probably, an important connection. 
Early in the evening, he withdrew from the social circle, at 
the house where he lodged, and at midnight, when the fam- 
ily retired to rest, he had not returned. In the morning, 
when they arose, they found him in the parlour. He had 
spent the entire night in the woods, in prayer, wrestling with 
the Angel of the Covenant, "until the breaking of the day." 

Indeed such seasons of mental darkness and conflict have 
not been uncommon in the experience of God's servants. 
And, frequently, these seasons have immediately preceded, 
and been closely connected with special manifestations of 
the divine favour, as in the cases just mentioned. And, it 
has been remarked, that when God designs to make a man 
eminently useful, or to place him in a position of peculiar 
responsibility, he trains him for his work, by leading him 
through dark places and deep waters. lie thus makes trial 
of his faiih, as well as strengthens it, and gives him an ex- 
perimental knowledge on the subject, which prepares him 
for the better discharge of the duties which lie before him. 

And, in the case of Mr. Macurdy, and others of that period, 

4* 



54 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

the deep, inward experience of the workings of corruption 
and of grace, of which they were made the subjects, doubt- 
less, proved of important service to them, when required to 
instruct and guide inquiring souls, during "the great revival," 
in which they were shortly afterwards called to take an im- 
portant part. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 55 



CHAPTER III 



Early Revivals in Western Pennsylvania — State of Things in 1801 and 
1802 — Female Prayer Meeting — A Text and Sermon — Commencement 
of the Revival in Three Springs — Communion Sabbath — First Appear- 
ance of the Bodily Exercise — Progress of the Work — Sacrament at 
Cross Roads — Great Meeting at Upper Buffalo — "War Sermon" — Chil- 
dren Affected — Meeting in a School House. 



The early history of the Presbyterian church in Western 
Pennsylvania, was distinguished by many powerful revivals 
of religion. In the congregations of Cross Creek and Up- 
per Buffalo, a gracious work commenced in the year 1781, 
under the ministry of the Rev. Joseph Smith, and continued 
for six or seven years, with little apparent abatement. Co- 
incident with the commencement of this work, was one of 
a like kind, in the congregations of Chartiers and Pigeon 
Creek, under the pastoral supervision of the Rev. John 
M'Millan. During its progress in these places, the Lord 
poured out his Spirit on the congregations of Bethel and Le- 
banon, in connection with the labours of the Rev. John 
Clark, [24] on that of Ten Mile, under the care of the Rev. 
Thaddeus Dodd, [26] and on the vacant congregations of 
Kings Creek and Mill Creek. 

Again, in the year 1795, the congregation of Chartiers was 



5^ THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

visited with a gracious outpouring of the Spirit, in which 
the Academy at Canonsburgh shared largely. In 1798, also, 
a very powerful work of grace commenced, and was carried 
on, in a new settlement, between the Great and Little Bea- 
ver rivers, where two congregations were afterwards formed 
and enjoyed the labours of the Rev. Thomas E. Hughes. 
And, in the year 1799, a number of the churches within the 
bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio, were favoured with times 
of special refreshing from the presence of the Lord, and 
many were added to the church, on a credible profession of 
their faith. 

During the intervals between these seasons of refreshing, 
there were times of painful declension. That which follow- 
ed the revival of 1799, was greater and more general, than 
those which had preceded. The world had gained an undue 
ascendancy over the people of God. Their graces languish- 
ed. And, in some places, a spirit of contention and con- 
tempt for religious ordinances and domestic order prevailed. 
In the midst of these discouragements, however, the means 
of grace, in their external form, were, for the most part, at- 
tended upon. The ministers of Christ, in general, contin- 
ued l^iitlifully to preach the truth. The quarterly concert 
of prayer, for the outpouring of the Spirit, and the revival 
of religion, which had been established by the Presbytery 
of Ohio, early in the year 1796, was still observed, by most 
of the churches. But, while outward forms were thus re- 
garded, the life and power of religion had almost entirely 
disappeared. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 57 

In the latter part of the year 1801, and the beginning of 
1802, the meetings for social worship and the observance of 
public ordinances, became remarkable in regard both to num- 
bers and solemnity. Christians were more sensibly impres- 
sed with the low state of religion, and more deeply concerned 
for the salvation of those who were yet in their sins. The 
intelligence received from the South and West, where pow- 
erful revivals of religion were in progress, was instrumental 
in awakening in the minds of God's people increased desires 
after renewed displays of divine power and giace in the midst 
of them. And, during the Spring and Summer of 1802, 
there was a great increase of prayer and expectation, in re- 
ference to this subject. In some places, indeed, there were 
clear indications of the gracious presence of God, in the as- 
semblies of his people. This was especially the case, dur- 
ing the sacramental seasons at Cross Creek and Lower Buf- 
falo, in the latter part of June, where "the children of God 
were much quickened and revived, numbers of sinners 
brought under serious concern, and some hopefully led to 
rest on Christ." 

In the state of feeling which pervaded the christian com- 
munity generally, in reference to the low state of religion, 
and the importance of obtaining the effusions of God's Spirit, 
Mr. Macurdy and many of the members of his charge, deep- 
ly participated. Much prayer was offered by them, on this 
behalf. Often did he and Philip Jackson retire together to 
the woods, and there wrestle with God in prayer for the re- 
vival of his work. Nor were they left to plead alone with 



.^58 THE LIFE OF MACDRDY. 

God. There were in the church of Cross Roads, some re- 
markably pious women. A few of these, during that Sum- 
mer, met at the house of their pastor, and formed themselves 
into a prayer meeting, the special object of which was, to 
pray for a revival of religion. Their names were Sarah 
Macurdy, (the pastor's wife,) Mary Stevens, Jane Proud- 
foot, Elizabeth Duncan, Jane Wilson, and Prudy Merchant. 
In the midst of the discouragements, by which he was sur- 
rounded, Mr. Macurdy was deeply interested in this move- 
ment, on the part of these pious females. His mind was 
more than usually exercised, in regard to it. During their 
first meeting at his house, he took his axe, and, retiring to 
an adjacent grove, cut some boughs from the trees, of which 
he formed a booth. There, within that secluded arbour, 
while those pious women were praying in the house, he 
knelt, and in earnest supplication to "the God of Lydia," he 
invoked his blessing upon them, and upon the object for 
which they were united. His heart was full. It was an 
hour of conflict, in which faith and unbelief struggled for 
the mastery. On the one side, were a half dozen timid fe- 
males ; on the other, the legions of the Prince of darkness. 
While his mind reverted to that feeble band, and to the mighty 
force, against which they had to contend, that passage in 
Isaiah 35: 4, was forcibly suggested to his mind. "Say to 
them that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not : behold 
your God will come with vengeance, even God with a re- 
compence ; he will come and save you." This inspired him 
with confidence, and taughi him how he should encourage 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 59 

the hearts of the little band, who, hi this hour of the chuich's 
extremity, had come up "to the help of the Lord, to the help 
of the Lord against the mighty." 

The passage which had thus been suggested to his mind, 
recurred to him again and again, and became tlie subject of 
frequent and intense meditation. Nor was it long until he 
was called, in the course of divine providence, to make a 
public use of it. Mr. Marquis had made an appointment 
to administer the Lord's Supper, shortly after this, at Lower 
BufTalo, which was a part of his pastoral charge. Mr. Ma- 
curdy, having heard that he was sick, and unable to fulfil his 
appointment, secured Mr. Dodd to supply his people, and 
went over to Buffalo, on Saturday, to give his assistance, as 
far as might be needed, during the occasion. At Buffalo, he 
met Messrs. M'Millan and Anderson, with several other 
ministers. They proposed that he should preach on the 
Sabbath morning of the communion. This he declined. 
But, they insisted, and would take no denial. He was 
obliged, therefore, to consent. He had, previously, been ar- 
ranging some thoughts on the passage referred to above, but 
had not completed his preparation. He, therefore, returned 
to it on Saturday evening, and made the best preparation 
he could, under the circumstances. On Sabbath morning, 
he preached the action sermon, from this text. During the 
delivery of the discouise. Dr. M'Millan seemed to be un- 
commonly interested, and looked at him with great apparent 
earnestness and intensity of feeling. After the services were 
closed, the Doctor said to him, with much solemnity, "Mr. 



60 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

Macurdy, it was not you that preached to day, but God." 
Such a remark from Dr. M'Millan, who was never known 
to flatter, shows the divine power which attended the deli- 
very of this discourse. This text was ever afterwards pre- 
cious to Mr. Macurdy's mind. 

About a month before the commencement of the revival 
at Three Springs, the concert of prayer was held in that 
congregation. The meeting was very thinly attended. Mr. 
Macurdy's mind was much burdened, and he took occasion 
to express to those present, the painful feelings which he 
had, in relation to the low state of religion among them. 
His remarks seemed strongly to arrest the attention of the 
people, and as he proceeded, his own feelings became more 
lively, and his hopes began to revive. It occurred to him, 
that it might be productive of good, if the members of the 
church would unite in a mental or secret concert of prayer 
at some fixed period, for a revival of religion. He, accord- 
ingly suggested, that fifteen minutes of every Thursday even- 
ing, at sun-setting, be employed, by all the members of the 
church, wherever they might be, in special prayer to God, 
for the outpouring of his Spirit, and the revival of his work. 
The suggestion was favourably received, and the subject ap- 
peared to make a deep and strong impression on the minds 
of those who were present. 

On the next Thursday, the usual concert of prayer was 
observed in the church of Cross Roads. Mr. Macurdy was 
present. The subject of the special concert, which he had 
suggested to the meeting at Three Springs, pressed itself 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. ©t 

Strongly upon his mind. But he had some fears about pre- 
senting it here, lest it should not meet with a favourable re- 
ception. During the progress of the meeting, however, and 
while making some remarks, founded on the fifty-ninth of 
Cowper's "Olney Hymns" — "O for a closer walk with 
God," &c. — he embraced the opportunity to refer to the 
subject. This he did, by cautiously inquiring, whether 
there Nvould be any impropriety in the members of the 
church agreeing to spend a short time on that, and the sub- 
sequent Thursday evenings, in a concert of secret prayer, 
for a revival of religion? The question was no sooner sub- 
mitted, than old Philip Jackson, the praying Elder, rose to 
his feet, and exclaimed, "Take the vote! Take the vote!" 
Mr. Macurdy, without regarding the call, proceeded with his 
remarks. At the close, however, he responded to it, and 
said he would put the question, and that he wished those 
who were in favour of the proposed concert, to signify it by 
rising. The whole assembly arose, without a single excep- 
tion. The concert was accordingly observed. 

On the Sabbath preparatory to the administration of the 
Lord's Supper at Three Springs, which was appointed to 
take place on the fourth Sabbath of September, an unusually 
large number of people attended. In the morning Mr. Ma- 
curdy lectured on Malachi 3: 1 — 5, "Behold, I will send my 
messenger," &;c. In the afternoon, he preached from Joshua 
24: 15, "Choose you this day whom ye will serve." While 
reading the text, uncommon solemnity pervaded the assem- 
bly. The preacher himself felt awfully solemn. He read 
5 



62 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

the text a second time. The point to which he directed his 
efforts, in the treatment of the subject, was to bring his 
hearers to a decision, by showing them that they were shut 
up to this necessity — that they must either choose to serve 
God, or they must choose not to serve him. This fearful 
alternative, he pressed upon them, with much earnestness 
and solemnity. At the close of his remarks on this point, 
he stood silent in the tent, from which he had been addressing 
them. As he paused, the people, who had been scattered 
over a considerable space, gathered closely around the tent, 
as if in expectation of something farther. Observing the in- 
quiring expression, with which they gazed upon him, he re- 
sumed his discourse, and with solemn emphasis, said, "God 
and you must decide this question; and I now call upon 
you to give in your decision to God!" Immediately, and 
unexpectedly to him — for he assured the writer that he had 
no intention to call the people up — the whole congregation 
rose to their feet, evincing very deep concern. Under these 
circumstances, he addressed them farther, assuring them, 
that God was a merciful God, and if there were any among 
them who had not chosen Him as their portion, they had 
still the opportunity to do so. And, again, he put the ques- 
tion, "Will you now give in your decision to serve the Lord 
your God?'* This was the occasion of greatly increasing 
the anxiety which already existed, and many, unable to 
stand, fell back upon the benches, which were used as seats. 
In the midst of this intense excitement, he dismissed the 
congregation, and returned home. The people themselves. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 63 

after he had retired, appointed a meeting for prayer, to be 
held in the evening, which was attended upon with great in- 
terest. "About fifty persons continued upon the ground, 
appeared unwilling to go away, and spent the most of the 
night in social worship." 

On the Thursday following, which was observed as a fast, 
preparatory to the administration of the Lord's Supper, more 
than usual solemnity pievailed throughout the services. A. 
prayer meeting was appointed, to be held in the evening, at 
the house of one of the Elders. A number of persons pro- 
ceeded thither direcdy from the church. Mr. Macurdy fol- 
lowed towards evening. Before the commencement of the 
religious exercises, while walking near the house, and re- 
volving in his mind what he should say to the people, he 
heard cries of distress, in a plot of wood-land, which lay in 
the vicinity. Supposing them to be the cries of persons 
under concern about their souls, he asked one of the Elders 
to go with him, that they might ascertain the fact. Upon 
their arrival at the place, they found two young women, who 
had retired to the woods to pray, prostrate on the ground, in 
deep distress in relation to their eternal interests. "Their 
cries for mercy were very affecting." After some conversa- 
tion with them, they were taken to the house, where a large 
crowd of people were assembled for worship. There, they 
were very powerfidly affected, and cried out, on account of 
the pungency of their convictions. This, however, did not 
interfere with the services of the evening. These proceed- 
ed without interruption, and so imperceptibly and rapidly 



64 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

did the hours pass away, in prayer and exliortation, thai be- 
fore the people were aware of it, the morning light dawned 
upon thein. The whole night was spent in religious exer- 
cises. 

The next morning, Mr. Macurdy, and the Elder who was 
with him, proceeded towards the church, where a meeting of 
the Session had been appointed, to converse with applicants 
for admission to the Lord's table. On their way, they heard 
cries of distress in the woods, and going to the place whence 
they came, found a number of anxious persons engaged in 
prayer. Having reached the church, they spent the day 
conversing with inquirers after salvation. None, as yet, 
expressed a hope, and none, of course, were admitted to the 
communion of the church. A prayer meeting was again 
held in the evening. The night was spent, as was the pre- 
ceding one, in prayer and exhortation, the exercises being 
continued, until day light broke unexpectedly upon them. 
80 intense and absorbing was the interest which they felt on 
the occasion. 

The Rev. John Brice [27] had been previously engaged 
to assist at the communion. On his way to the church, on 
Saturday morning, Mr. Macurdy fell in with him, and in- 
formed him of the state of things in the congregation. Tlie 
effect upon him was overwhelming. He seemed unable to 
endure it, and declared that he would return liome, as he felt 
himself unfit to preach, where the Lord was thus pouring 
out his Spirit. Through the persuasions of Mr. Macurdy, 
he proceeded to the church and preached. During the ser- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 65 

vice, great solemnity prevailed. Gracious influence was 
imparted, and many had their minds awakened to a concern 
for their salvation. At the close of the meeting, when the 
congregation was dismissed, a number were prostrate and 
unable to leave the ground. Two prayer meetings were ap- 
pointed for the evening, at different places in the congrega- 
tion. In these, the greater part of the night was spent in 
social worsliip. Few, if any, slept, so powerful and excit- 
ing was the feeling which pervaded these meetings. 

On the Sabbath, according to appointment, the Lord's 
Supper was administered. It was accompanied with great 
solemnity, and striking manifestations of the presence and 
power of God. In the afternoon, a considerable number of 
persons were seized with strong bodily affections, so that, at 
the close of the services, they were unable, w^ithout assist- 
ance, to retire from the ground. This was the first appear- 
ance, in this part of the church, of those peculiar bodily af- 
fections, by which this work was afterwards so much distin- 
guished. Before separating on this occasion, appointments 
were made for two prayer meetings in the evening. Again, 
the whole night was spent in devotional exercises. 

The next day, Mr. Marquis, who had heard of the state 
of things at Three Springs, came to their assistance. At 
the request of Mr. Macurdy, he preached, taking for his text 
Hosea 10: 12. "Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap 
in mercy; break up your fallow ground; for it is time to 
seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon 
you." The effect was very wonderful. A considerable 



66 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

number cried out with deep distress. Among them was one 
old man, far advanced in years. Excepting these cries of 
pungent distress, there was no confusion, nothing inconsis- 
tent with the most perfect order. When the congregation 
was dismissed, some hundreds remained on the ground, re- 
sisting every effort to induce them to disperse. Fifty, or 
more, were unable through bodily weakness, to leave the 
place. 

On Wednesday, (which was the 29th of September,) the 
Synod of Pittsburgh was to hold its annual meeting at Pitts- 
burgh. It had been the purpose of Mr. Macurdy and the 
brethren, Marquis and Brice, to be present at its sessions. 
In the current state of things, Mr. Macurdy expressed the 
opinion, that he could not go. Mr. Marquis was anxious 
to attend, but finding the people intent on having the reli- 
gious services continued, he felt embarrassed, and doubted 
about the propriety of leaving them. His anxiety to meet 
the Synod, however, induced him to address the people on 
the subject. He endeavoured to convince them, that it was 
their duty to disperse, and permit him and the other breth- 
ren to go to Synod. While he was speaking, there was ev- 
idently a great increase of mental distress. This satisfied 
all that the meetings ought to be continued. And, that no 
difficulty might arise from the want of food for the horses, 
one of the farmers who lived near the church, offered the 
use of his pasture field to all who were desirous to remain. 
It was, therefore, agreed to continue the meetings. In the 
evening, candles were put up in different places, in the woods 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 67 

around, and in the adjacent houses, and both ministers and 
people continued in prayer and exhortation, until midnight, 
when they had a recess. During the recess, the people dis- 
persed in different directions around the church, and many 
of them, in great distress, were heard offering up earnest 
cries to God for mercy. After some time, the congregation 
came together again, and the religious exercises were contin- 
ued until day light. " This night far exceeded any thing 
that had been before ; many were prostrate, crying for mercy. 
About the break of day on Tuesday morning, there were 
six persons who gave evidence of obtaining hope in Jesus. "t 
The exercises were continued until about eleven o'clock, 
when, with great difficulty, the people were prevailed upon 
to disperse. 

On the afternoon of this day, the brethren proceeded on 
their way to Pittsburgh, to attend the meeting of Synod. 
On their arrival, they communicated to the Synod, the won- 
derful things, which had taken place at Three Springs. The 
interest excited among the members was very great. And, 
when Mr. Macurdy left the Synod on Saturday, to return 
home, he was accompanied by ten or twelve of them, who 
were desirous to witness for themselves, these gracious op- 
erations of God's mighty power. On the next day, which 
was the Sabbath, two discourses were preached in the tent, 
at Cross Roads. The assembly was very large and solemn, 
but nothing of an extraordinary character appeared. There 
was preaching again in the evening, at the church. After 

t West. Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 296. 



68 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

the usual services were over, the people remained together 
during the whole night, engaged in prayer, praise, and ex- 
hortation. "It was a solemn night: many were aifected — 
numbers sunk down — the cries and groans of the distressed 
were almost incessant — numbers were not able to sit up, or 
speak, most of the night : some who were able to speak, ex- 
pressed their apprehensions of great danger, from a sense of 
their great guilt and aggravated sin."*' Before separating, 
the ministers present made an appointment to administer 
the Lord's Supper, in the church of Cross Roads, on the 
last Sabbath of October, which was but a few weeks from 
the time, of which we are speaking. 

On Monday, some of the ministers proceeded to the 
church at Three Springs, where a meeting had been ap- 
pointed. The Rev. James Hughes preached. The occa- 
sion was deeply interesting, and the people continued to- 
gether, engaged in social worship, the greater part of the 
night. The next day, the concert meeting for prayer was 
held, and the following night was spent in religious exerci- 
ses. At these meetings, many new cases of conviction oc- 
curred, and some persons who were in attendance from a 
distance, fell to the ground. 

It ought to be noted here, that on this concert day, there 
was a simultaneous manifestation of the extraordinary pre- 
sence of God in the adjacent churches of Cross Creek, and 
West Liberty, the former under the pastoral care of the 
Rev. Thomas Marquis ; the latter, under that of the Rev. 

* West. Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 32S. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 69 

James Hughes. On the next day, also, at a meetuig held at 
the house of Mr. Fleming on Harmon's creek, on the bor- 
der of Mr. Macurdy's congregation, the effects of God's 
gracious power on the hearts of the people were very strik- 
ing. The exercises were continued throughout the night, 
and were accompanied with remarkable effects. According 
to a statement made by some members of the Ohio Presby- 
tery appointed for that purpose, "This was a very solemn 
season ; the people were almost universally bowed down 
— some deeply affected and lying prostrate — their cries for 
mercy enough to pierce the Heavens — while they appeared 
to be on the brink of despair. Some few obtained relief be- 
fore day, who have since given evidence of serious and com- 
fortable exercise. A goodly number who have been admit- 
ted to the table of the Lord since that time, have dated their 
first deep and abiding convictions from that season. It was 
a night to be had in everlasting remembrance, for which, it 
is hoped, many will praise God eternally. At this time, 
some began to speak the language of Canaan, with solemn, 
sweet serenity of mind, and in heavenly, heart-affecting ac- 
cents." On Thursday and Friday, the work commenced 
in the congregation of the Flats, and Mill creek — under the 
pastoral care of the Rev. George M. Scott, [28] — both of 
which were adjacent to Cross Roads and Three Springs. 
On the Sabbath following, also, which was the tenth of Oc- 
tober, there were peculiar displays of divine power, during 
a communion season in the church of Racoon, of which the 
Rev. Joseph Patterson [29] was the pastor. This congre- 



70 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

gation, also, joined that of Cross Roads, and many of the 
people from Cross Roads and Three Springs, as well as 
from Cross Creek, attended on the occasion. Anions^ those 
present from these various congregations, the vork pro- 
gressed, both on the Sabbath, and on Monday, with great 
power. But, it was not until Monday afternoon, that cases 
of awakening occurred among the people of Racoon. 

So great was the interest which appeared on the afternoon 
of that day, that it was agreed to hold meetings in the even- 
ing, at places designated in each of the congregations of Ra- 
coon, Cross Creek, and Cross Roads. Th'e place of meeting 
for the people of Cross Roads, was at the house of Mr. Rid- 
dle, one of the Elders of the church. Speakmg of this meet- 
ing, the members of Presbytery say, "At Mr. Riddle's on 
Monday evening, the exercises appeared to he very dull un- 
til twelve o'clock, when the society was dismissed. About 
twelve persons remained. After a short time, the power of 
God was manifested, and they continued there the most of 
the time engaged in religious exercise, until four o'clock, P. 
M. before the distressed were able to go away. They then 
went about two miles, to a place where a society had been 
appointed, which continued until two o'clock the next morn- 
ing. Sermon was appointed at Three Springs on Wednes- 
day. Public worship began at twelve o'clock. This was 
the most remarkable season they had ever witnessed. They 
continued in religious exercises both day and night until 
two o'clock on Friday, and then parted with difficulty."* 

* West. Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 332. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 71 

According to the appointment already noticed, the Lord's 
Supper was administered at Cross Roads, on the last Sab- 
bath of October. This was a memorable occasion to the 
people of Cross Roads, and the surrounding congregations. 
The following account of it, taken from the narrative of the 
members of the Presbytery already referred to, will be read 
with interest. 

"A great multitude of people collected, many from a great 
distance, accommodated with provisions, to continue on the 
ground during the whole of the solemnity. There were 
thirty-two wagons. On Sabbath day, and night, there was 
much rain and snow ; yet the people chiefly continued at the 
place, night and day, until Tuesday morning. Nine minis- 
ters attended. There was no extraordinary exercise on Sa- 
turday, until the public worship was concluded. One fell 
down suddenly, just when the blessing was pronounced ; 
and from that time until Tuesday morning continually, some 
were aflected, and generally a great number. The meeting 
house, though large, being insufficient to contain half of the 
people, the sacrament was administered at the Tent, to about 
eight hundred communicants, of whom, forty-one were then 
admitted for the first time, of the Cross Roads and Three 
Springs' congregations. Though there was a continual fall 
of rain, this large assembly attended with undisturbed com- 
posure. In order to accommodate the multitude, two action 
sermons were preached. The communicants then removed 
to the communion table at the tent. A great many were 
affected, and some had to be assisted to move out. Minis- 



72 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

ters still preached successively, in the house, throughout the 
day. Prayers and exhortations were continued all night, in 
the meeting house, except at short intervals, when a speak- 
er's voice could not be heard, for the cries and groans of the 
distressed. On Monday, three ministers preached at differ- 
ent places, one in the house, and two out in the encamp- 
ments. This was a very solemn day, particularly in the 
house. After public worship was concluded, and the people 
were preparing to remove, the scene was very affecting. 
The house was thronged full, and when some of those with- 
out, were about to go away, they found that part of their 
families were in the house, and some of them lying in dis- 
tress, unable to remove. This prevented a general removal, 
and though a number went away, the greater part remained. 
About the time of the departure of those who went away, 
the work became more powerful than it had been at any time 
before, and numbers who had prepared to go, were constrain- 
ed to stay. It was a memorable time of the displays of di- 
vine power and grace, through the whole night. Many of 
the young people were remarkably exercised, and frequently 
addressed others about the perishing condition they were in 
— the glories of the Saviour — the excellency and suitableness 
of the plan of salvation — and warned, invited, and pressed 
sinners to come to Christ; all this in a manner quite aston- 
ishing for their years. Numbers of old, experienced chris- 
tians, also, were particularly exercised, were much refreshed 
and comforted, and affectingly recommended the Lord Jesus 
and his religion to those around them. About sun rise, after 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 73 

a lime of solemn, sweet exercise, the congregation was dis- 
missed, and soon after dispersed."! 

Tiie gracious displays of divine power, which attended 
the sacramental season at Cross Roads, induced the brethren 
to make an appointment for the administration of the Lord's 
Supper, on the second Sabbath (the 14th) of November, at 
the church of Upper Buffalo, of which, the Rev. John An- 
derson was the pastor. On the day preceding the commu- 
nion, an immense concourse of people assembled. It was 
much the largest assembly which had ever been seen collect- 
ed for divine worship, in Western Pennsylvania. The num- 
ber was estimated at about ten thousand. Fifteen minis- 
ters, all members of the Synod of Pittsburgh, were present, 
and laboured together, during this solemn season, with the 
utmost harmony. Mr. Macurdy was one of the number. 
He preached on Saturday afternoon, simultaneously with 
one of the other brethren, who addressed another part of the 
vast assembly ; one occupying the meeting house, and the 
other the tent. The evening and night were spent in preach- 
ing, exhortation, prayer and praise. 

On Sabbath morning, two discourses were delivered, pre- 
paiatory to the communion service; one in the meeting house, 
and the other at the tent, in front of which the communion 
table was spread. After the usual preliminary exercises 
were over, the Lord's Supper was administered to nearly 
one thousand communicants. When about to commence 
the distribution of the elements. Dr. M'Millan, who was 

tWest. Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, pp. 334-5. 
6 



74 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

present, requested Mr. Maciirdy to commune at the first 
table, and having done so, to take his position in a wagon, 
which was at some distance West of the meeting house, 
and preach to the crowd around it, while the remaining tables 
were serving. To this request he consented, and having 
communed, he ascended the wagon with much fear and 
trembling. He first read a hymn. While it was being sung, 
the people pressed forward towards the wagon, looking earn- 
estly at him, as though in expectation of something extraor- 
dinary. He felt greatly agitated, and was wholly at a loss 
to decide on a suitable text, or subject. After leading the 
people in a short prayer, and endeavouring to look to God 
for direction, he opened the Bible. His eye fell upon the 
second Psalm, "Why do the heathen rage," &:c. and he, at 
once, determined to make it the theme of his discourse. He 
accordingly commenced, by remarking, that they might think 
it strange on such an occasion, that he should address them 
on the subject of politics, but that the exigency of the case 
required it; that he had received a letter from the govern- 
ment ; that an insurrection had taken place ; that the insur- 
gents were up in arms against the lawful authorities ; that 
measures had been taken to suppress the rebellion ; and that 
an amnesty had been proclaimed, to all who would return 
to their duty. This letter he said he would read to them, 
which he did, by reading the second Psalm. He then proceed- 
ed, in a strain of fervid eloquence, to describe the character 
and condition of sinners, as rebels against God, insurgents 
against his government ; the measures which had been adop- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 75 

ted to counteract their rebellion ; and the amnesty which had 
been proclaimed through the blood of the Son of God. He 
found uncommon freedom in descanting on these topics, and 
seemed to ppeak, "as the Spirit gave him utterance." And 
having a clear, strong voice, he was heard with great dis- 
tinctness over the vast assembly. The effect was remark- 
able. Many lay prostrate on the ground, crying out that they 
were insurgents against God. *'At the close of the sermon," 
says the Rev. Thomas Hunt, who was in the wagon with 
Mr. Macurdy, "the scene appeared to me like the close of a 
batde, in which every tenth man had fallen fatally wounded. 
The recollection thrills through my soul, while I write." 
This was ever afterwards familiarly called " Macurdy's war 
sermon." And, the great number that fell, on this and other 
occasions, when he preached, led to the common remark 
among the more thoughtless and wicked class of men, that 
he "popped them down like pigeons." INot a few of those, 
however, who thus jested, and with careless levity, invited 
their gay companions to go with them and hear "the man 
who knocked the people down," were themselves prostra- 
ted, and through the word which he preached, became the 
subjects of God's converting grace. 

The exercises on this interesting communion season, were 
continued, with short intermissions, until Tuesday evening. 
On this occasion, as on that at Cross Roads, the gracious 
power of God was signally displayed. "The administration 
of the word and ordinances was accompanied with an extra- 
ordinary eflusion of divine influences on the hearts of the 



76 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

hearers. Some hundreds were, during the season, convinc- 
ed of their sin and misery ; many of them sunk down and 
cried bitterly and incessantly for several hours. Some fell 
suddenly; some lost their strength gradually; some lay quiet 
and silent ; some were violently agitated ; and many sat 
silently weeping, who were not exercised with any bodily 
affections."* "Many of God's dear children were filled with 
peace in believing. They saw the spiritual glory, which the 
gracious presence of God had given to the solemnity ; they 
rejoiced in hope, and waited to see and feel more of the effi- 
ciency of free grace. Others, sorrowful and thirsting for 
the water of life, wished to stay a little longer at the pool."t 
The closing exercises of Tuesday, are thus described in the 
narrative, from which we have already quoted. " Notwith- 
standing that they had continued so long, and rested little, it 
appeared to be very diflicult to separate and leave the place. 
After some time, tiie most removed, except the people of 
the congregation, who still tarried, lingering at the place, 
where so much of God's power had been manifested to 
their eyes and in their consciences. Numbers, who had 
gone home to provide refreshments lor their friends, return- 
ed. Still, they could not part. Numbers were struck down 
whom they carried in ; and all again collected in the meet- 
ing house, where this day, also, was spent till evening, in 
preaching, exhortation and prayer. The exercise was very 
powerful, and numbers were affected, wlio appeared to be 
unmoved before.":}: 

* West. Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 336. t lb. p. 338. X lb. p. 338. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. TT 

Thus (lid this wonderful work continue to prevail, and 
extend. Meetings were held in the various churches through- 
out this region. These were crowded with people from all 
parts of the country around; from the Forks, Salem, Con- 
gruity, Chartiers, and other places, to the distance of nearly 
an hundred miles. On one occasion, at Cross Roads, the 
crowd was so dense, that the ministers in attendance could 
not find access to the church, by the door, but had to enter 
through a window in the back part of the house, by means 
of a ladder, placed there for that purpose. From the time 
of the administration of the Lord's Supper at Three Springs, 
on the fourth Sabbath of September, 1802, the work contin- 
ued to extend, for several months. Within the bounds of 
Mr. Macurdy's charge, it prevailed with great and increas- 
ing power over all classes of persons. The old, and the 
young, and the middle aged, were, respectively, the subjects 
of this gracious influence. 

Some time after the commencement of the revival, the 
children in the school at Cross Roads, became very seriously 
aflected. Having no suitable place of retirement for reli- 
gious exercises, they procured bushes from the surrounding 
woods, of which they formed, for themselves, booths ; one 
for the boys, and another for the girls. There, in those se- 
cluded arbours, instead of spending their recess in play, as 
children generally do, they employed it in prayer, and other 
acts of social worship. Sometimes, they became the sub- 
jects of the extraordinary bodily affection, which was then 

prevalent, and had to be carried, by their teacher, into the 
6^ 



78 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

school-house. On one occasion, eight little girls met in the 
school house for prayer, and so deeply were they engaged 
in religious exercises, that they continued together all night. 
Mr. Macurdy, having heard of their meeting, went, after 
dark, and conversed with them, in relation to the salvation 
of their souls. And, that they might not be disturbed or 
alarmed, he sent a son of Philip Jackson, to remain in the 
vicinity during the night, and protect them from danger. 
The eldest of their number, was only thirteen years of age. 
She, it seems, presided and directed the exercises of the 
meeting. And, as an evidence of the judgment with which 
she acted, she read for their encouragement, that portion of 
scripture, in which Christ has said, " Suffer little children 
to come unto me, and forbid them not ; for of such is the 
kingdom of God." Some may be ready to censure and 
condemn these precocious religious efforts. But, such would 
do well to recollect the reply of Christ to the cavilling Priests 
and Scribes, " Have ye never read. Out of the mouths of 
babes and sucklings, thou hast perfected praise?" 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 79 



CHAPTER IV. 



The Bodily Exercise described — Examples — Its invariable Antecedent 
— Mr. Johnston's Account — Beyond the Power of its Subjects to con- 
trol — Character of the Preaching — Treatment of the Anxious — A Vision 
— Care in the Admission of Persons to the Church — Men and Measures 
employed — Continuance of the Revival — Its Character — Theories Re- 
specting the Bodily Exercise — Dr. Hoge — Dr. Baxter — Difficulties — 
Solution — Sickness of Mr. Macurdy — Death of Philip Jackson — Notices 
and Anecdotes respecting him. 



From the preceding narrative, the reader will have ob- 
served, that this gracious work was accompanied, in many 
cases, with peculiar bodily affections. This seems to have 
been its most distinguishing peculiarity. In other respects, 
it resembled those revivals of religion, with which the church 
had been before visited, except that it was more powerful. 
These bodily affections were various in their aspects. Some- 
times the body was affected with trembling and feebleness, 
so that the person sunk down, or had to be supported by 
others. In many cases, the body was very much con- 
vulsed. In some, it became quite powerless and without 
motion for a considerable time, with little signs of life, the 
breathing very weak, scarcely discernible, and tiie pulse 
faint. No pain was experienced, nor did any injurious con- 



80 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

sequences result even to the most delicate constitutions.* 
*'Il is no unusual thing," says Dr. M'Millan, "to see persons 
so entirely deprived of bodily strength, that they will fall 
from their seats, or off their feet, and be as unable to help 
themselves, as a new born child."! So, Dr. Anderson says, 
there was, "in some cases gradually, and in others instantly, 
a total loss of bodily strength, so that they fell to the ground, 
like Saul of Tarsus — and with oppression of the heart and 
lungs — with suspension of breath, with sobs and loud cries. "J 
Nor was it in religious meetings, or in the house of God 
only, that persons became the subjects of this bodily affec- 
tion. Many were exercised in this way, who had never 
been in the public meeting for religious worship. Some be- 
came affected in the woods ; some in the field, or the shop, 
when engaged at their work ; some, during the time of family 
worship; and some, in their beds. It was a matter entirely 
beyond their control, and against which, they found resist- 
ance to be in vain. Nor was it peculiar to persons of intirm 
health, of delicate bodily constitution, or of weak minds. 
The strong both in body and mind, were the subjects of it, 
equally with the weak. Of this, there were many exam- 
ples. Wm. Lee, who was afterwards an Elder in Three 
Springs, an uncommonly bold and energetic man, was the 
subject of this bodily affection. So, also, was Joseph Jack- 
son, who became an Elder in Cross Roads church, and who 
was a man of great firmness of character. The case of 
James Wilson, of Wellsburgh, Va. who was subsequently 

* W. M. Mag. Vol. 1, pp. 296-7. t lb. 11, p. 354. | lb. p. 4G6. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. SI 

an Elder in the church of Steubenville, Ohio, was, also, con- 
sidered as remaikable. He was opposed to the work, and 
attended at Cross Roads, during a sacramental occasion, for 
the avowed purpose of finding fault. After remaining there, 
for some tiniR, he determined to go home, and asked a friend 
who was present, to accompany him. He did so; but they 
had not proceeded more than a mile, when he intimated to 
his friend a strong desire to return. They, accordingly, 
went back, and upon their entering the church, Mr. Wilson 
fell down, and was carried out. Mr. Macurdy, observing 
what had occurred, went and conversed, and prayed with 
him. As soon as he recovered from his bodily prostration 
he returned home. To the inquiry of his wife, respecting 
the news from Cross Roads, he replied, that God was there 
in great power. And, from that time forth, he evinced an 
entire change of character, and became eminent for his piety. 
These bodily affections seem to have been always, or with 
rare exceptions, preceded by some mental concern or anxi- 
ety, in reference to eternal things. "It is evident," say the 
same members of Presbytery, "that these affections generally, 
proceed from the exercise and concern of the mind ; as we 
are not acquainted with any instance that has been inquired 
into, but what some such reflections, or considerations, as 
are noticed above, (i. e. about the state of their souls) have 
preceded any visible or sensible affection of the body."* 
Such, also, is the testimony of Dr. M'Millan. "As far as I 
have been acquainted, the bodily exercise has never prece- 

* lb. Vol. 1, pp. 296-7. 



o2 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

ded, but always followed upon the mind's being deeply im- 
pressed, with a sense of some divine truth."* Dr. Ander- 
son, also, describes these bodily affections, as following con- 
victions of "the dreadful nature of sin" — and, "an extraordi- 
nary sense of the misery of a Christless state."! The same 
view is given by Mr. Marquis.± 

Those who were the subjects of this bodily affection re- 
tained the exercise of their minds, during the paroxysms, in 
full vigour. They had a clear perception of all that was 
said and done around them. Their mental exercises were 
generally highly intensive. Their convictions of their guilt 
and danger were, for the most part, very pungent, causing 
them to utter agonizing cries for mercy. And, when they 
obtained deliverance through Christ, they were often filled 
with love, admiration and joy. Their views of the excel- 
lence and suitableness of Christ, seem to have been very dis- 
tinct, and their affections towards him, lively and rapturous. § 

The Rev. Robert Johnston, who had the best opportuni- 
ties of observing the character and progress of the revival, 
in a letter to the author, makes the following remarks, in re- 
ference to the bodily affection, which we have taken the 
liberty to insert : 

" The effects of this work on the body, were truly won- 
derful, and so various, that no physical cause could be assign- 
ed for their production. I have seen men and women sit- 
ting in solemn attitude, pondering the solemn truths which 

* lb. vol. 11, p. 355. t lb. p. 466. J lb. p. 437. 

^ West. Mis8. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 2975 Vol. 11, p. 355. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 83 

were presented ; and, in a moment, fall from their seats, or 
off their feet, if they happened to be standing, as helpless as 
though they had been shot, and lie from ten to fifteen or 
twenty minutes, and sometimes for nearly an hour, as mo- 
tionless as a person in a sound sleep. At other times, the 
whole frame would be thrown into a state of agitation so 
violent, as seemingly to endanger the safety of the subject; 
and yet, in a moment, this agitation would cease, and the 
persons arise in the full possession of all their bodily powers, 
and take their seats, composed and solemn, without the least 
sensation of pain or uneasiness. And, although the subjects 
were in the habit of falling any where and every where, 
when engaged in religious exercise, I never knew nor heard 
of any one being injured, or even receiving a single wound 
or mark from contusion. Another fact which I ascertained 
beyond doubt, was, that those who frequently lay for a con- 
siderable time, apparently insensible, and sometimes without 
one discernible symptom of life, except the natural warmth 
and colour of the skin, could hear, understand and reflect 
on what they heard as well as, or better than when in pos- 
session of all their bodily powers. Nor was there that kind 
of uniformity in the occurrence of these different effects on 
the body, as to allow them to be ascribed to corresponding 
exercises of the mind. Some have been agitated in body, 
under pleasing exercises of mind, and others have lain mo- 
tionless under the anguish of a wounded spirit. Some were 
under deep and pungent convictions for weeks before they 
felt any effect on the body ; while some passed through the 



84 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

whole course of awakening and conviction, and became 
hopefully pious, who never felt any symptoms of bodily 
agitation. Of the former class was an intelligent young 
man, now a minister of the gospel, who told me that he had 
felt more pungent distress of mind before, than after he be- 
came affected in body. From these, and many more similar 
facts, that occurred under my own observation, I became sat- 
isfied that no natural cause could be assigned, sufficient to 
account for the extraordinary effects on the bodies of a large 
majority of the subjects of the revival. . . The most in- 
tellio'ent of the subjects, with whom I conversed, could as- 
sign no cause, why they were so affected at one time more 
than another, or why they were differendy affected, at differ- 
ent times, under the same exercise of mind. . . . The 
physical efTects of the excitement on the body, was, by no 
means, a desirable appendage, in the view of the sensible 
part of the community, but they were evidently irresistible, 
and persons were as liable to be affected in the very act of 
resisting, as in any other circumstances ; and many who 
came to mock and oppose, remained to pray, and returned, 
inquiring what they should do to be saved." 

There was an opinion prevalent at a distance, that this 
bodily exercise was encouraged by the ministers, and that 
they looked upon it as decisive evidence of true piety. This, 
the subject of the present memoir assured the writer was not 
the fact. They had no control over it. " There it was," 
said he, "and we could do nothing with it." They were, 
however, careful to teach the people, that, although, in many 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 85 

cases, it was closely connected with real religion, it was dis- 
tinct from it, and afforded no evidence that those who were 
its subjects, were, for this reason, partakers of God's saving 
grace. 

But, while the bodily affection seems to have been entirely 
beyond the control of either ministers or people, the outcries 
and moanings, which sometimes accompanied it, might have 
been suppressed. In the communication of Mr. Johnston, 
he states, that at an early period of the revival in his church, 
he urged his people to guard'*against any disorder of this 
kind. This had the desired effect ; for, although the work 
was very powerful, there was no interruption from this 
cause, during its progress. "I have preached," says he, "to 
a crowded assembly, where more than one-half of the people 
were lying helpless before me, during the greater part of 
divine service, without the least noise or disturbance of any 
kind, to divert or interrupt the attention of any individual 
from the word spoken." We have understood, also, from 
various sources, that the subjects of the work themselves 
admitted, that they could refrain from crying out, but that by 
giving vent to their feelings, in this form, they found some 
relief. 

As to the character of the preaching, during this extraor- 
dinary season of God's mighty power, it was plain and 
solemn. The usual method was to ascertain and state the 
doctrine of the text ; then, to discuss it, and bring it to bear, 
in its practical influence, on the hearts and consciences of 

the hearers. The preaching was much more doctrinal, than 

7 



86 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

it has been in many of our later revivals, and in the ministra- 
tions of many of the servants of Christ, for some years past. 
The doctrines of our Confession of Faith and Catechisms, 
were the doctrines presented. The character of the sinner, 
as guilty and polluted in the sight of God, as entirely lost 
and helpless, was drawn with all possible fidelity and clear- 
ness. These points were often brought up and strongly 
pressed. The Lord Jesus Christ, as the great atoning sacri- 
fice for sin, was held up as the only Saviour. The com- 
pleteness of his righteousness was pointed out, and the entire 
freeness of the gospel offer exhibited. The doctrine oi' 
justification by faith, was much insisted upon — also, that of 
sanctification by the word and Spirit of God, the manner of 
receiving Christ and walking in him, as set forth in the Holy 
Scriptures and the Standards of the church. And, it is 
worthy of special remark, that when the entire freeness of 
the gospel was presented by the preacher, the effect was gen- 
erally the greatest. Thus, on one occasion at Three Springs, 
when Mr. Macurdy was descanting on a portion of that 
beautiful hymn, "Dear refuge of my weary soul, on thee 
when sorrows rise, &c."t and endeavouring to persuade the 
sinner to cast himself upon Christ, the effect was very great, 
almost the whole assembly crying out with deep distress. 
On this point, also, Mr. Johnston remarks, "So far as my 
observation extended, no theme so powerfully afl^ected the 
people, as the compassion of a suffering Saviour, and the 
sufficiency and fulness of the off'ered salvation. These, 

tH, 398, Gen. A. Col. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 87 

together with such instruction, as was calculated to lead the 
inquiring soul to the Lamb of God that taketh away the sin 
of the world, were best adapted to the wants of awakened 
sinners, and were the subjects most geneially chosen by such 
workmen, as were skilled in the mysteries of the kingdom 
of heaven." 

In the treatment of anxious persons, great care was taken 
by the ministers to guard them against all delusion. Of the 
necessity for this, they were admonished by the discovery, 
that among those who had found peace, in some places, there 
were numbers, who had not built upon the sure foundation.! 
The greatest vigilance, therefore, was exercised, in analyz- 
ing the state of mind of every applicant, and distinguishing 
between true and false experience. Inquirers were taught 
not to expect any extraordinary revelations, and that their 
state was not to be determined by visions, audible voices, or 
any thing of the kind. And, wherever such delusions were 
found to have taken possession of the mind, they were 
promptly exposed. The following anecdote will show the 
manner in which such cases were treated by Mr. Macurdy, 
who was skilful in detecting, and prompt in denouncing, 
false appearances. On a certain occasion, during the 
progress of the revival at Three Springs, and in the 
time of public worship, some of the Elders informed 
him, that there was an aged man on the outer verge of the 
congregation, with whom they had conversed, and who was 
entertaining the hope that he had experienced a saving change. 

t West. Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 335. 



88 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

As his exercises were peculiar, they wished him to go and 
confer with him. He accordingly went, and after some con- 
versation with him, asked him if he entertained the hope of 
salvation? He said "Yes; he had a view of the glory of 
God." He then asked him, what it was he saw, which he 
called "the glory of God ? " He replied, by again affirming, 
that he saw it, and that he had the hope of salvation. Mr. 
Macurdy insisted, that he should tell him, what that glory of 
God was, which he saw — what it was like. "O," said the 
old man, "it was most beautiful, and of different colours, and 
it came streaming down before my eyes ! " "Ah ! " respond- 
ed Macurdy, in his pithy manner, "it was the glory of the 
Devil which you saw, and your hope is a delusion ! " And, 
after giving him some suitable instruction, he left him. The 
result was, that he gave up his hope, and instead of resting 
on delusive visions of glory, he sought right views of him- 
self as a sinner, and of the way of salvation through Christ, 
and ultimately obtained a good hope, through grace, having 
been led to rest on Christ alone for salvation, as he is oflered 
in the gospel. 

The same vigilance and caution which were exercised in 
the treatment of the anxious, were employed in the admis- 
sion of persons to the communion of the church. 'I'he can- 
didates were examined carefully by the Session, and received 
only on a credible profession of their faith. The fact of 
their reception by the Session, was announced, and their 
names read out, on the morning of the communion Sabbath. 
But, no public profession of their faith was made, by the 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 89 

adoption of a particular formula, in the presence of the con- 
gregation, as is commonly done at present. The same prin- 
ciple was adopted, and the same practice observed, in the 
admission of persons to baptism. Mr. Macurdy and his 
Session acted on "the strict plan," in the baptism of chil- 
dren, baptizing those only, whose parents made a credible 
profession of religion. Those who refused to attend on the 
Lord's Supper, or any other of Christ's ordinances, as they 
thereby destroyed the credibility of their profession,>were 
refused the privilege of presenting their children in baptism. 
The only exception to this rule was in the case of persons, if 
any such were found, who were kept from the Lord's table, 
for a time, by a timid or doubting conscience, but, who, in 
ail other respects, gave evidence of christian character. 
Such exceptions, however, were admitted with great caution. 
And, in all cases of admission, either to baptism or tlie 
Lord's Supper, due care was taken, by personal examination, 
to ascertain the true character and qualifications of those who 
applied. 

This strictness in the admission of persons to the fellow- 
ship of the church, will account for the fact, that the number 
admitted during this revival, was not as great, as in some 
of the later revivals, which have occurred, in certain sections 
of our country. Li these latter cases, the numbers were 
increased, by the admission of persons who were not sound 
converts, and the fallacy of whose hopes and claims, would 
have been detected, by a more rigid examination, on the part 

of the otlicers of the church, at the time of their reception 

7* 



90 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

The numerous cases of apostacy, which took place, furnish 
suflicient evidence, that little care was taken in their exami- 
nation for admission^ In the revival of wiiich we have been 
speaking, the results were different. While a few cases of 
apostacy occurred, as far as we have been able to discover, 
they were but few. The greater part, continued steadfast in 
their profession, and iionoured, by their holy lives, the cause 
which they had espoused. 

It has already been intimated, that the various ministerial 
brethren throughout the region, in which this great work 
prevailed, aided, by their labours, in carrying it forward. 
Messrs. Macurdy, M'Millan, Anderson, Marquis, Ralston, 
James, and Thomas E. Hughes, Porter, [30] Scott, Patter- 
son, Brice, &c. were all actively employed, in labouring for 
Christ, and the souls of their perishing fellow men, during 
this season of the outpouring of God's Spirit. None were 
distinguished from others as "Revival preachers." All were 
such. Neither were there any "Anxious benches," such as 
have been in use in revivals of later date. But, the minis- 
ters aimed at making every pew, an anxious bench. It is 
due, also, to the Eiders and the members of the church gen- 
erally, to say, that they were very active in seeking to pro- 
mole this good work. "They that feared the Lord, spake 
often one to another." Religious conversation among the 
people of God, was very common. In this way, they spent 
their leisure time at public meetings, and their intervals of 
worship on the Sabbath. And, so intense was the feeling, 
that wherever persons were seen together engaged in reli- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 91 

gious conversation, they were soon surrounded by a crowd 
of listeners, anxiously desiring to hear, and derive instruc- 
tion and protit from their discussions. 

For the space of two years, this work continued with lit- 
tle abatement, and it was about four years, before the bodily 
affection disappeared.* As the first fruits of the revival in 
tlie congregations of Cross Roads and Three Springs, one 
hundred and twenty-five persons were added to the commu- 
nion of the church, during the two years of its pi ogress. 
JSubsequently, several were added, who dated their conver- 
sion from this period, but had been kept back by doubts and 
fears respecting the reality of their change. For several 
years, these churches were in a very prosperous state, as it 
regarded their religious condition. The fruits of God's 
gracious presence were visible in the temper and conduct 
of professing christians. For, while many of the careless 
were awakened and convicted, the children of God were 
comforted and built up in their most holy faith. 

That this was truly a work of God, was fully attested by 
the effects produced. Its spiritual character was very 
clearly manifested in the experience of tliose who were its 
subjects, and in the holy fruits which they brought forth in 
their lives. A work including such deep and spiritual views 
of sin, such clear and afiecting discoveries of Clirist, such 
a renunciation of self, and reliance on the Saviour, and such 
a continued and consistent course of holy living, must have 
been from God. The devil could not have been its author. 

* Mauus. Letter from Rev. R. Johnston. 



93 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

These are not the fruits of his operations. Neither could it 
have been from man. The effects were beyond his power. 
Infidelsj profligates, hardened opposers, and bold scoffers, 
were suddenly arrested, and brought over to the side of 
Christ. And multitudes of various ages and conditions in 
life, who had been livin^ without any regard to God and 
religion, suddenly changed their course, and became persons 
of prayer and activity in the service of the Redeemer. No- 
thing but the grace of God could have produced such results. 

With regard to the origin of the bodily affection, by which 
this work was accompanied, there have been different opin- 
ions. That it was totally beyond the control of man, we 
have already seen. Those who became its subjects, could 
neither prevent its access, nor remove it when present. In 
the language of Mr. Macurdy, "there it was, and they could 
do nothing with it." 

Among the opposers of the revival, a very common method 
of accounting for it, was to attribute it to the measures em- 
ployed — the terrific character of the preaching, the earnest and 
vehement appeals to the conscience, and the protracted exer- 
cises, — all of which were calculated to affect persons of weak 
nerves and infirm health, and to produce these bodily effects. 
In reference to this point, we beg leave to present the reader 
with an extract of a letter from the late Rev. Dr. Moses 
Hoge, of Virginia, to the Rev. Dr. Green. The letter is 
dated April 24, 1802, at Mecklinburgh, N. C. where a work 
of exactly the same kind was then in progress, and whcr?. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 93 

it seems, this method of accounting for its various phenome- 
na, was resorted to. The extract, is as follows : 

"Were it only the ignorant, the weak, and the timid, that 
become the subjects of this work, it might, with some plau- 
sibility, at least, be ascribed to the measures employed to 
carry it on: but, when men of information, of strong nerves 
and vigorous understandings, are overcome — especially when 
Deists of this description, who have fortified themselves 
against every religious impression, from the writings of 
Bolingbroke, Hume, Voltaire, and Paine ; when such men 
fall — what shall we say ? Shall we ascribe this to the work 
of a weak mortal ? "The Deists themselves ought to be 
ashamed of this solution. It must, moreover, be observed, 
that it is not unusual for persons to fall, where nothing un- 
commonly alarming or affecting is to be seen or heard ; and 
must not this be ascribed to the finger of God ? If not, it 
seems to be absolutely unaccountable, for no natural cause 
with which we are acquainted, appears to be adequate to so 
astonishing an effect. And, I have not so learned the scrip- 
tures, as to ascribe such a work as tins is, to the finger of 
the Devil."* 

Another method of accounting for it, was to ascribe it to 
"sympathy," as its cause. With regard to this theory, the 
remarks of the Rev. Dr. Geo. A. Baxter, President of Wash- 
ington College, Virginia, are so directly in point, that no 
apology is necessary for transferring them to our pages. 
These remarks are in reply to strictures of the "Christian 

* West, Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, p. p. 103—4. 



94 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

Observer" on a letter of his to the Rev. Dr. Alexander, 
giving him an account of the revival in Kentucky, in which 
these bodily affections extensively prevailed, and are under 
the date of September 9th, 1803. They apply with equal 
force to the work in Western Pennsylvania, as to that in Ken- 
tucky, as the bodily affection was exacdy similar in both cases. 

" With respect," says Dr. Baxter, "to the immediate 
causes of these extraordinary bodily exercises, which have 
attended both the Western and Southern revivals, I have not 
been able to form any opinion very satisfactory to my own 
mind. When I first saw them, I thought them very strange 
concomitants of divine worship. But, they appeared so 
entirely involuntary, they came so suddenly and so irresisti- 
bly on their subjects, and made such havoc among infidels, 
and other vicious characters, that, although unable to account 
for them, I did not think proper to oppose them. I was, 
therefore, obliged to overlook them altogether, and form my 
opinion of the work, from the views and exercises of mind* 
which its subjects seemed to possess." 

"In this, however, as in many other cases, it is more dif- 
ficult to say what the true cause is, than what it is not: and, 
of all theories which I have seen on this subject, I think that 
the most untenable, which ascribes these phenomena, wholly 
to sympathy. The sympathy of such a theory, is like 
chance in atheistical systems ; it has a great deal to do, 
which it cannot possibly do. However, as this is the theory 
which the Christian Observer has espoused, I shall examine 
it a little, by the common rules of philosophizing. Let it be 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 95 

remembered, that in all our researches into nature, no second 
causes are to be admitted, but such as are known to exist, 
and such as are sufficient to account for the effects assigned 
to them. It is certain that sympathy exists, in a greater or 
less degree, in every mind. So far, then, and, I think, no 
farther, the Christian Observer is on good ground ; for, it is 
equally certain, that sympathy cannot account for the extra- 
ordinary appearances attending the Western and Southern 
revivals. I presume, it is agreed, that sympathy is that prin- 
ciple of our nature, which enables us to partake in the feel- 
ings of others. And when an object is presented to excite 
this principle, and draw it into exercise, it is impossible to say 
how far it may go, or what effects it may not be able to pro- 
duce. If I see an object in distress, sympathy may commu- 
nicate a similar distress to my own mind, and by this princi- 
ple every passion, and perhaps many of the disorders to 
which human nature is liable, may be transmitted from one 
person to another. But, as sympathy cannot operate without 
an object, it never could have begun such a work as that in 
Kentucky ; and should the work once have ceased for an 
hour, sympathy could not again have brought it into opera- 
tion. All, therefore, that can with truth be conceded to the 
theory, is, that if one person should have fallen prostrate, 
under religious impressions, another sympathizing with him, 
might, also, have fallen. But, what occasioned the prostra- 
tion of the first ' Here, it is evident, that another cause must 
be supposed, wholly distinct from sympathy, and sufficient, 
of itself, to account for all the phenomena in question: and 



96 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

this cause must have begun the exercises at every society or 
public meeting, in which people have actually fallen. But, 
as it is not only unnecessary, but also unreasonable, to mul- 
tiply causes at this rate, so sympathy should not be intro- 
duced at all in such cases, unless when, in the progress of 
the work, we discover the evident symptoms of its pre- 
sence. 

" But, although I do not deny that sympathy may have 
some influence in almost all revivals, yet many things have 
attended the falling down in Kentucky, for which it cannot 
account. It would hardly be supposed to operate much on 
Deists, and profligates, who attended with the professed de- 
sign of ridiculing the work. Men do not often sympathize 
with what they hate, and these people were not 'readily 
yielding to the impassioned tones of the preacher, and en- 
couraging in themselves a sympathy with those who we're 
screaming and falling down around them.' Sympathy could 
not occasion the exercises of those who fell in their own 
houses, or on their farms, or when retired for secret devo- 
tion. But, perhaps, the hardest case of all would be, that 
of a person arrested in sleep: suppose a person to lie 
down in his usual health, and awaking suddenly in the night, 
witliout any dream, to find his body powerless, and his mind 
crowded with the most serious ideas respecting religion 
I am credibly informed that such cases have occurred, and 
could sympathy account for them!"*" 

There is another theory, which, although it does not reach 

*W. M. M. Vol. 1, pp. 461-463. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 97 

the whole case, is, as far as it goes, more philosophical and 
better sustained than either of the foregoing. It is that 
which views the bodily affection, as the result of the men- 
tal excitement arising from the influence of the Spirit and 
truth of God, upon the hearts and consciences of those who 
were its subjects. Between the body and the mind, there is 
a close and mysterious connection. And, all experience 
and observation show, that the body often suffers greatly 
from the excited state of the mind. Violent gusts of pas- 
sion, sudden surprise, strong mental impulses, in which either 
sorrow or joy predominate, have been known to produce in- 
jurious and sometimes fatal results upon the body. Why, 
then, may not the mind be so highly excited, under religious 
influence, as to produce bodily prostration, and other effects 
such as were wimessed in the revivals of the West and 
South? We see nothing either unscriptural, or unphiloso- 
phical in such an admission. And, the facts in the present 
case seem to favour such an opinion, for the uniform testi- 
mony of those who inspected the work most closely, is, that 
in all cases there were deep and powerftd exercises of mind 
in relation to eternal things, before the occurrence of the 
bodily affection. But, even here, if we assign this result 
to mental excitement, as its sole cause, we encounter diffi- 
culties; because there were some who had no bodily affec- 
tion, who had as pungent exercises of mind as those who 
fell. If, therefore, the mental excitement was the cause of 
the bodily affection in the one case, why did it not produce 

the same effect in the other, where it was equally, if not more 
8 



98 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

intense, and where the temperament appeared equally suscep- 
tible to impression from this source ? Here is a difficulty, 
which cannot be removed, on the supposition that the mental 
excitement was the sole cause present on the occasion. As 
a subordinate or instrumental cause, it may properly be 
admitted, and was, perhaps, always employed. But, for the 
reason mentioned, it seems inadmissible, as an adequate and 
exclusive cause. We are obliged, then, to look beyond this 
mental excitement, to a special power, put forth in connection 
with it, by that Divine Spirit who is not "straitened" in the 
manner, any more than in the subjects of his operations. 
Micah 2 : 7. 

But, however differently men may decide with regard to 
the nature and origin of the bodily affection, there seems to 
have been no doubt in the minds of those present at the 
time, and best informed on the subject, that the revival with 
which it was connected, was a genuine work of God. Un- 
der this conviction, the subject of the present memoir, em- 
ployed all his energies for its advancement. His labours 
were great and incessant. Having a very vigorous constitu- 
tion, he was able to endure more than most men. But, tfie 
excitement and fatigue at Upper Buffalo, during the great 
meeting, proved too severe for him, and resulted in a severe 
attack of pleurisy, which confined him to his bed for some 
time. During his confinement, from which he had no hope 
of recovery, he evinced the same zeal to do good which he had 
done when in health. To his friends around his bed, he said, 
that he had often preached to them "living grace," but, that 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 99 

now he wished to preach to them "dying grace." And, 
with the earnestness of a dying man, he urged upon them 
the necessity of making preparation for death. In the pros- 
pect of his approaching dissolution, he requested them to 
open his chamber window, that he might, once more, look 
out upon the world before he left it. They did so, and 
upon liis beholding the landscape which spread out before 
him, he repeated, with great animation, the following verse 
from Watts : 

" Sweet fields beyond the swelling flood, 
Stand dressed in living green ; 
So to the Jews old Canaan stood 
While Jordan rolled between." 

He was not permitted, however, to cross the flood, at that 
time, nor to wander through these green fields, except in 
exercises of faith. His disease was removed, and he was 
soon again at his post of labour, and about his Master's 
business. 

During the progress of the revival at Cross Roads, the 
clmrch was called to mourn the loss of Philip Jackson, "the 
praying Elder," who died in the month of February, A. D. 
1803. As this pious servant of God was intimately asso- 
ciated with Mr. Macurdy in his prayers and labours for the 
good of the church, and as Mr. Macurdy was accustogied 
to attribute to him an important agency in securing this out- 
pouring of the Spirit, we shall be excused for inserting a 
few brief notices respecting him, although not within the 
direct line of our narrative. 

Philip Jackson was one of four brothers, who, with their 



100 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

father, came from Maryland, and settled near to the Cross 
Roads. They were among the first settlers in that neigh- 
bourhood. Philip was the eldest of the brothers; a man of 
rough exterior, and of an exceedingly wild and ungovern- 
able spirit. He had learned to read a little when a boy, but 
by neglect had forgotten all that he had learned. Sometime 
after the family came to Cross Roads, the Rev. Joseph Smith 
paid a visit to the neighbourhood, and held meetings for re- 
ligious worship at Kings Creek and Burgettstown. On the 
evening of one of these meetings, Philip and his brother 
Joseph had gone out to hunt racoons, but not finding any, 
Philip proposed to his brother, that they should go to the 
prayer meeting, which he had heard was in the vicinity. 
They accordingly went, and found the cabin, in which the 
meeting was held, crowded. They pressed their way into 
a corner of the building. Mr. Smith was exhoiting, when 
they entered. They thought he addressed himself direcdy 
to them, and told them all that they had ever done. Philip, 
in relating the matter afterwards, said, that he got into a cor- 
ner, and tried to hide himself, but that Smith followed him, 
and "tore him up." 

The brothers being both considerably awakened at this 
meeting, resolved that they would hear Mr. Smith again, 
which they did, on the next Sabbath. Then, as before, he 
appeared to preach directly at them, and their minds became 
more agitated. They afterwards followed him to Buffalo and 
Cioss Creek, and heard him repeatedly. The result was, 
that they were both brought under deep and awful convic- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 101 

tions of sin, and were finally led to accept of Christ, and to 
entertain the hope of pardon and acceptance through his 
blood. In due time, they made a public profession of reli- 
gion in the church of Cross Creek, which was a pait of the 
pastoral charge of Mr. Smith. Their tastes and habits be- 
ing now changed, they employed their leisure time in learn- 
ing to read. In this they succeeded, and were often heard, 
afterwards, reading ihe Bible, Bunyan's Holy War, and the 
Pilgrim's Progress, with ease and fl.uency. 

When the congregation of Kings Creek, (afterwards, 
Cross Roads,) was organized, which was about 1786, Philip 
Jackson was one of the persons chosen to the office of Rul- 
ing Elder, in that church. Being one of its first officers, he 
watched over it with paternal care, and was ever forward in 
seeking its prosperity, and endeavouring to correct or remove 
whatever he judged to be detrimental to its interests. He 
was a man of eccentric habits, plain, open, and blunt in his 
manners, but intent on doing good, and having every thing 
done in the best manner and according to the highest prin- 
ciples of human action, as laid down in the word of God. 

On one occasion, Mr. Macurdy invited a certain minister, 
who was present, to preach. The discourse was not accep- 
table to Philip, who considered it as badly adapted to pro- 
mote the spiritual interests of the hearers. He embraced 
the first opportunity that was offered to inquire at Mr. Ma- 
curdy why he had invited that man to preach. He replied, 
that it was customary to invite brethren, who happened to 

be present, and that he had done it as a compliment to his 

8* 



102 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

ministerial brother. On this reply, Philip made no remark, 
at the time. But, being called upon shortly afterwards, to 
lead in prayer at a social meeting, where Mr. Macurdy was 
present, he prayed with great solemnity, tliat the Lord would 
preserve their pastor from the sin of inviting ministers to 
preach, merely as a compliment to them! His prayer was 
answered ; for it is not known, that the same brother was 
ever asked again, by the pastor, to officiate in his room. 

On another occasion, a neighbouring minister was invited 
to celebrate a marriage, in a family belonging to Mr. Macur- 
dy's congregation, and accepted the invitation. Philip Jack- 
son, having been informed of the fact, and believing that there 
had been some improper management, on the part of the 
minister, determined to rebuke the spirit, in which, he sup- 
posed, it had its origin. He, therefore, made up his mind, 
that, although not invited, he would be a guest at the mar- 
riage. He, accordingly went, and having witnessed the cer- 
emony, placed himself near to the preacher, when he re- 
ceived his fee. "You must- give me that money," said Phi- 
lip. "Why so?" rejoined the preacher. "Because," said 
he, "it is Mr. Macurdy's, and I wish to give it to him." 
"As I have married the couple," said the preacher, "I sup- 
pose, I have a right to the fee." "Suppose, then," continued 
Philip, "your field joined Mr. Macurdy's, and was sepe- 
rated only by a fence, would it be right in you to salt his 
sheep through the fence, until thry became so tame, that 
you could catch and fleece them, and then, because you had 
ile.eced them, claim the fleece as your own? No, no; the 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 103 

sheep are Macurdy's, and he has a right to the fleece!" 
Philip's logic was better than his success, for the preacher 
kept the money. The spirit, however, which leads minis- 
ters to resort to mean and dishonourable acts to draw ofl*the 
members of neighbouring churches, although in the present 
case, there may have been nothing of the sort, was very 
properly rebuked. 

Philip Jackson was possessed of a strong and active mind, 
and had an unusual stock of good common sense. Few men 
of ordinary attainments, excelled him in addressing an audi- 
ence on religious subjects. His manner was clear, affec- 
tionate, and awfully solemn. From his own experience, he 
knew the exact condition of the sinner, and how to adapt 
himself to it. When Mr. Macurdy was present, he would 
not consent to exhort. But, some times, when he was de- 
tained later than the hour of meeting, Philip would preside, 
and deliver an exhortation. Under these circumstances, he 
had, occasionally, an opportunity of hearing him. And, he 
assured the writer, that he never heard him, when he did 
not acquit himself admirably. But, his great pov/er was in 
prayer. This was his element, and the secret of his influ- 
ence. The church Vv'as the object of his most aff"ectionate 
regard. Daily, and some times hourly, he presented her 
interests before the throne of grace. And, in the great revi- 
val, which he lived to witness, he seemed to have attained 
his highest wishes on earth; and while it was in successful 
progress, he departed to be with Christ, which was far better. 



104 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 



CHAPTER V. 



Mr. Macurdy's Missionary Spirit — Origin of the Western Missionary 
Society, and Board of Trust — Missions to the Wyandot and other Indian 
tribes on the Sandusky — Rev. Geo. M. Scott's visit to them — Barnett 
— His history — Meets the Presbytery of Ohio — Leaves his son John 
with Mr. Macurdy — Openly espouses the cause of religion — John Bar- 
nett taken aw^ay by his Mother — Mr. Badger Missionary at Sandusky 
— Difficulties — Mr. Macurdy's first visit to Sandusky — Remains at the 
Station and teaches — His management of the Indians — Defeats their 
attempt to take the property of the Society — Returns home — His se- 
cond visit — Mission suspended on account of the war — Barnett's bap- 
tism and that of his children. 



A MAN brought into the kingdom of Christ, and nurtured 
amidst revivals of religion, as Mr. Macurdy had been, was 
not very likely to be indifferent to the wants and miseries of 
a dying world. The warmth and vigour of Christian feel- 
ing acquired under the special effusions of the Spirit of God, 
and incessant labours for the salvation of souls, could hardly 
fail to connect with it a desire to impart the blessings of the 
gospel to the destitute ; — "to give light to them that sat in 
darkness, and in the shadow of death." Such, in an emi- 
nent degree, was the fact, with regard to the subject of this 
memoir. He possessed an expansive benevolence, and was 
deeply imbued with the spirit of missions. The poor, wan- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 105 

dering aborigines of our own country, engaged much of his 
attention, and for their temporal and eternal welfare, he 
prayed and laboured, with no common zeal. How he did 
this, will be seen in the sequel. 

To a proper understanding of the part which Mr. Macur- 
dy acted in the cause of Indian Missions, it will be neces- 
sary fo notice some facts of an earlier date, and to give some 
expansion to the narrative, by the introduction of collateral 
events. About the time of his settlement at Three Springs 
and Cross Roads, the subject of Indian Missions began to 
engage the attention of the ministers and many of the mem- 
bers of the church throughout this region. The Synod of 
Virginia, which, at that time, included this part of the church, 
had a Commission of their body, under whose direction. Do- 
mestic Missions, on this side of the Allegheny Mountains, 
were conducted. With this Commission, the Presbytery of 
Ohio co-operated, and expressed their judgment in favour of 
sending the gospel to the Indians on their borders. In accor- 
dance with thi- opinion, they directed their members to col- 
lect funds in their respective congregations, for the purpose 
of sending out agents to explore the country in the vicinity 
of Sandusky, Brownstown, and the river Raisin, and if 
encouragement were given, to establish a Mission School. 
The Indians who inhabited these regions were, the Wyan- 
dots, Senecas, Mohawks, and Otlawas. The principal tribe 
was that of the Wyandots. The Rev. Thomas E. Hughes 
performed two missionary tours, in reference to this object, 
one in the fall of 1800, and the other in the fall of 1801. 



106 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

In the first, he was accompanied by Mr. James Satterfield, 
a licentiate of the Presbytery of Ohio, and in the last, by 
the Rev. Joseph Badger, [31] a missionary from Connec- 
ticut, and by George Bluejacket, son of a Shawanese Chief. 
This young Indian had returned with Mr. Hughes from De- 
troit, when on his first tour, and gave considerable reason to 
hope, that he was a true christian. These visits were looked 
upon with favour by the Indians, and had a good influence 
in preparing the way for further operations. 

In May, A. D. 1802, the Synod of Pittsburgh was formed, 
by an act of the General Assembly. To that body, at its 
first annual meeting in September, 1802, the Commission of 
the Synod of Virginia resigned their office, and the Synod 
of Pittsburgh appointed "a Committee to digest a plan for 
the transaction of missionary business." This Committee 
consisted of the Rev. Messrs. Thomas E. Hughes, Elisha 
Macurdy, Joseph Badger, and James Edgar, Ruling Elder. 
On the recommendation of this Committee, the Synod re- 
solved themselves into a society, to be styled '-The Western 
Missionary Society." The object of this Missionary So- 
ciety, as stated in their constitution, was, "to diffuse the 
knowledge of the gospel among the inhabitants of the new 
settlements, the Indian tribes, and, if need be, among some 
of the interior inhabitants, where they are not able to sup- 
port the gospel." For the more eflTectual attainment of their 
object, the society annually appointed a "Board of Trust," 
consisting of seven members, Mho were charged with the 



I 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 107 

transaction of all missionary business necessary to be done 
between the annual meetings of the society. 

While all the objects indicated in the constitution of the 
society were kept distinctly in view, and faithfully sustained, 
the cause of Indian missions seems to have excited peculiar 
interest, and to have been steadily and actively prosecuted. 
In the latter part of September, 1803, the Rev. George M. 
Scott, and Mr. Alexander Matthews, by appointment of the 
Board of Trust, visited the Indians on the Sandusky river. 
There, they met with Hampton Northorp, who acted as in- 
terpreter for them. He was of white parentage, but having 
been taken prisoner by the Wyandots, when a child, had 
acquired a pretty thorough knowledge of their language. 
After residing with them for some time, he had been brought 
into the white setdement and educated, and was believed to 
be a sound convert to the christian religion. This man was 
of important service to the missionaries and agents at differ- 
ent times, when they visited the Indians in that region. 

During this tour, Mr. Scott became particularly acquainted 
witli a Wyandot Indian of the name of Barnett, called in 
llie language of his tribe "Ununqua," or "Flying Arrow," 
on account of his great swiftness. At his house, he held a 
religious meeting. In a conversation with him, on the fol- 
lowing day, he discovered that he was the subject of deep 
conviction. His mind had been awakened under the preach- 
ing of Mr. Hughes, when on his exploring tour. In address- 
ing the Indians, he had pointed out to them the wickedness 
of their hearts, and told them that they "hated God." Bar- 



108 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

nett, who was present, and heard him, could not restrain his 
indignation, but spoke out and said, "That one lie!" Mr. 
Hughes replied, by telling him, that he could satisfy him of 
the truth of his statement, by giving him an outline of the 
commandments of God, which, if he would make the sub- 
ject of careful meditation, he would find that he hated God ; 
for, he would soon discover that God there enjoined upon 
him things which he hated, and forbade things which he 
loved. The experiment was accordingly made, and Bar- 
nett, having brought his heart to the test of God's holy law, 
found to his surprise, that he did, indeed, hate its Author. 
This increased his alarm and anxiety, which continued to 
the time of which we are speaking. In this state of mind, 
Mr. Scott found him. He instructed him in the knowledge 
of a Saviour and the way of salvation through his merits. 
But, although Barnett admitted the truth of the gospel plan, 
and prayed for salvation through Christ, his hope of personal 
acceptance was not such as to give him comfort. 

Barnett, at the period to w hich we refer, was about thirty 
years of age, and was married to a second wife, having sep- 
erated from his first, who, also, had married another husband. 
By his first wife, he had a son, now between four and five 
years old, and who, according to the usage of the Indians, in 
such cases, had gone to live with his own mother. Mr. 
Scott proposed to Barnett, that if he would let him have his 
son, he would provide for his support, and clothe and edu- 
cate him. This offer he was inclined to accept, but as the 
child was at Upper Sandusky with his mother, he could not 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 109 

then send him with him. He immediately started, how- 
ever, for the place of his mother's residence, with a view to 
procure the boy, promising Mr. Scott that they would fol- 
low him very soon, and that they might be expected at his 
house, in about three weeks from that time.* 

On his arrival at the residence of his first wife, Barnett 
requested her to permit their little son John, (for that was 
his name,) to come and "eat meat with him," during the win- 
ter. To this, she assented, and Burnett having obtained the 
boy, determined to spend the winter with the whites, and 
fixed upon a time for his departure. At the appointed time, 
he commenced his journey, accompanied by his little son 
and the father of his second wife. Having proceeded some 
distance, his mind became troubled. The thought presented 
itself, that he was not, perhaps, doing right. It was doubt- 
ful, whether the white people were to be trusted. Their 
design might be to decoy him, and to make him and his son 
slaves. With such thoughts crowding upon his mind, he 
was in great perplexity, and knew not what to do. Not 
being able to proceed with clearness, he informed his father- 
in-law, without disclosing to him his conflict of mind, that 
he had concluded lo stop a day and hunt. Under this pre- 
text, he left the camp, where they had slept, early in the 
morning. But, instead of hunting, he went out into a thicket, 
and spent the day in prayer to God for direction. Still, his 
mind was distracted, and he found no relief. The next day, 
finding himself too unwell to travel, he went out again, tak- 

* West. Miss. Mag. Vol. 1, p. 342, 

9 



110 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

ing John with him, and spent it, as before, in prayer. He' 
besought God, that, if it was his will he should take his son 
to live with the white people, he would give him health to 
travel; but if not, that his sickness might be continued. He 
had great confidence, that God would answer his prayer. 
The day following, he felt his health restored, and consider- 
ing this as an indication that his prayer had been answered, 
he proceeded on his journey. On reaching Sandy, they 
found their way obstructed, by a heavy fall of snow. Being 
unable, therefoie, to proceed, they selected a place for a 
camp, went out and killed some game, and made arrange- 
ments to spend the winter. And as the weather became cold, 
and the snow remained on the ground, they continued there 
until the Spring. During this time, Barnett was not forget- 
ful of the christian instruction which he had received. For, 
while he hunted six days, he rested on the Sabbath, accord- 
ing to the divine command. And, to avoid mistakes, in the 
computation of time, he carried with him an Indian almanac. 
This consisted of a pin, and a paper with seven holes in it. 
On the Sabbath, the pin was stuck into the first hole, and 
and moved forward one hole, each successive day, until the 
week was completed, by putting the pin into the last hole. 
Thus, he computed time, and was enabled to mark the return 
of the Sabbath. 

At the opening of the Spring, when the snow was gone, 
Barnett determined to proceed to the white setUements. 
Some time before they had broken up their encampment, he 
had made a hunting excursion, in which he had killed a bear. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. Ill 

When that was consumed, he went in search of another, but 
was unsuccessful. This, he considered as an intimation from 
the Great Spirit, that he should proceed on his journey. 
Accordingly, having made the necessary preparations, he 
mounted his horse, placing his son behind him, and started 
for the settlement of the white men. The only name among 
the whites, with which he was acquainted, was that of Mr. 
Scott ; but he was ignorant of the place of his residence. 
He knew, in general, that it was not very remote from the 
Beaver river. Having some knowledge of the mouth of this 
river, where it empties into the Ohio, he directed his course 
towards that point. Providentially, however, he reached 
the Ohio river, opposite to Georgetown, only a few miles 
from Mr. Scott's residence. There, he remained over night. 
The next morning was the Sabbath. Having learned that 
there was to be preaching in the neighbourhood, he crossed 
the river, and proceeded into the country, with the hope of 
finding the place of meeting, and getting some information 
respecting Mr. Scott. On his way, he fell in with some of 
the people of the congregation, going to church. In attempt- 
ing to communicate with them, he mentioned the name of 
Mr. Scott. They soon made him understand, that they 
were on their way to hear him preach. He was greatly 
delighted, and went with them to the church. He and Mr. 
Scott met there, and immediately recognized each other. 
Barnett acknowledged the special providence of God, in his 
journey, declaring, as well as he could, that God had di- 
rected him, so that he had found the very man he wanted. 



112 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

After the public services were over, Mr. Scott took Barnett 
with him to his house, and, on the next day, had his bag- 
ghge brought from the place vv^here he had left it. For, it is 
worthy of special remark, that Barnett, from regard to the 
Sabbath, had left his baggage, together with his gun, in an 
old school house, at or near to Georgetown. In this, his 
example puts to shame many, who have been born and edu- 
cated in a christian land, and under the full blaze of gospel 
light. 

On the following Tuesday, which was the 17th of April, 
1804, the Presbytery of Ohio met at Cross Roads. Barnett 
and his son attended. By a singular providence, Hampton 
Northorp was present at this meeting of the Presbytery. 
This was matter of great joy to Barnett, who did not fail 
to notice it, as a mark of God's special goodness, in thus 
sending him a friend, to act as an intrepreter between the 
Presbytery and himself. At this meeting, Mr. Macurdy and 
Barnett first became acquainted. With great cordiality, Mr. 
Macurdy invited him to his house, where he and Northorp 
were guests together, as long as he remained in the neigh- 
bourhood. On the second day of their sessions, Barnett 
informed the Presbytery, through Northorp, that he had 
brought them his son, with the intention of leaving him with 
them, and that he wished them to educate him, and prepare 
him to be a minister of the gospel. He said, he knew they 
could not change his heart. None but God could do that. 
But, they could give him instruction, prevent him from drink- 
ing whiskey, and from going into bad company, and could 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 113 

pray for him. In reply, the Presbytery assured huii of their 
willingness to receive his son, and to clothe, and feed, and 
educate him, agreeably to his wishes; and, as soon as he 
had completed his education, to send him back to him, ac- 
cording to his directions. With all this, Barnett expressed 
his satisfaction, and declared his entire confidence in their 
sincerity and friendship. He intimated a wish, however, 
that the Presbytery would give him a written paper, contain- 
ing a statement of what they had agreed to do for his son ; 
binding themselves, moreover, not to give him to any per- 
son but himself, or some one commissioned by him, of which 
the production of that paper, was to be the evidence. The 
Presbytery complied with his wishes, and having furnished 
him with the paper, told him that he might select anyone of 
their members he preferred, to take the oversight of his son. 
He immediately made choice of Mr. Macurdy. These ar- 
rangements having been all completed, he took a very affec- 
tionate leave of the Presbytery, shaking each member cor- 
dially by the hand. The same evening, he returned to Mr. 
Macurdy's, where he remained over night. The next morn- 
ing, he arose by the dawn of day, and having knelt beside 
his sleeping child, and prayed, he mounted his horse, and 
proceeded on his way home. 

About the same time, Peter Johnston, a young Mohawk, 
who had come home with Mr. Scott from Sandusky, became 
an inmate of Mr. Macurdy's family. While there, he went 
to school, and learned to read and write. Mr. Macurdy took 
great pains in his religious instruction, but with little appa- 



114 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

rent success. He was a young man of an unpleasant dis- 
position, and difficult to reach, by any of the kindly influ- 
ences of the gospel. After remaining at Cross Roads for 
some time, he returned to his nation, where we shall hear of 
him again. 

Upon the return of Barnett to Sandusky, he more openly 
and zealously espoused the cause of Christ, and employed 
his best efforts to persuade the people of his nation, to for- 
sake their evil ways, and embrace the christian religion. 
When Mr. Scott again visited the Indians on the Sandusky 
river — which he did, by appointment of the Board of Trust, 
in August, 1804 — he found him actively engaged in the cause 
of the Redeemer and enjoying a comfortable hope of an in- 
terest in his salvation. The Rev. James Hughes, also, who 
visited the Wyandots in the Spring of 1805, met with him 
at Lower Sandusky, and had a free conversation with him ; 
and, although he was, at that time, in much darkness and 
distress about his soul, he seemed to be established in his 
adherence to the christian religion. Something more than 
a year from the time that Barnett had left his son with Mr. 
Macurdy, he returned, bringing with him his second wife 
and their eldest son, whose name was Joseph. During this 
visit, Mr. Macurdy, by the aid of an Indian woman in the 
vicinity, who acted as intrepreter, had a long and close con- 
versation with him, in relation to his own personal expe- 
rience, and his desire for the salvation of the Indians. The 
result was a very deep conviction on Mr. Macurdy's mind, 
that he was the subject of the saving influences of the Spirit 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 115 

of God. His conduct, in reference to his son, for whom 
he seemed to desire, above all things, the favour of God, 
strengthened this conviction. As he was leaving the house, 
one day, he requested that Mrs. Macurdy and John would 
walk with him into the lane, which was not very far 
distant. When they had reached a place of sufficient retire- 
ment, he stopped, and, looking at Mrs. Macurdy with a sol- 
emn expression of countenance, pointed, first to John, and 
then to heaven; again, to John, and then to her. By these 
significant signs, he intimated, as she understood him, that 
as he had given his son to God already, he now gave him to 
her, that she might train him up for God. After remaining 
with John, from two to three weeks, Barnett prepared to 
return home. Accordingly, at the time appointed, having 
taken leave of John, he and his wife and son Joseph, left 
Mr. Macurdy's, and went as far as Mr. Scott's, where they 
remained all night. In the morning, he himself returned to 
Mr. Macurdy's, and informing him that he had concluded to 
take John with him, placed him upon the horse behind him, 
and rode off. To this movement, Mr. Macurdy made no 
opposition. Instead, however, of going directly to Mr. 
Scott's, and joining his wife there, he rode into the woods. 
After remaining there for a considerable time, he returned to 
Mr. Macurdy's with John, and left him, remarking that all 
was right. This whole proceeding was evidently for the 
purpose of ascertaining, whether his son would be freely 
given up to him, according to contract. Having ascertained 



116 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

this, his mind was at ease, and he prosecuted his liome-ward 
journey, without any farther delay. 

Some time during the next year, or early in the year fol- 
lowing, John's own mother, accompanied by a number of 
Indians, came to Mr. Macurdy's, and demanded her son. 
She presented a letter from Crane, the Head Chief of the 
Wyandots, directing compliance with her wishes. Mr. Ma- 
curdy inquired if they had brought the paper from Barnett. 
Upon their replying in the negative, he informed them, that 
he was under an obligation, not to give up the boy without 
it, except to Barnett himself. He told them, however, that 
he would convene the Board, and take their advice. He did 
so, but they resolved not to give him up. To justify them- 
selves in the adoption of this course, they addressed a letter 
to Crane, explaining the circumstances, and pointing out to 
him the difficulties of the case. Still, he and his friends 
were not satisfied. They said, it was the boy they wanted, 
and not a letter. And, as an inducement to let them have 
him, they promised that he should be sent to Mr. Badger's 
school, at Lower Sandusky. After much consultation, it 
was finally agreed to accede to the wishes of his mother, 
who took him away, very much against his will. In parting 
with Mr. and Mrs. Macurdy, he wept bitterly. Their kmd- 
ness to him, and the parental care which ihey had exercised 
over him, had won his heart, and bound him to them by a 
a very strong and tender afiection. During his residence 
' with them, he had made good progress in his studies. He 
had become a good reader, and had learned the Catechism, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 117 

which he could repeat with facility. His studies were now 
interrupted. The pledge, on the ground of which he was 
given up, was not very speedily redeemed. It was not un- 
til some considerable time afterwards, that the mother, hav- 
ing heard that Mr. Macurdy was about to visit Sandusky, 
and fearing his displeasure, took John, and left him at Mr. 
Badger's school. 

The Rev. Joseph Badger, to whose school reference has 
been made, was appointed by the Board of Trust, in Feb- 
ruary, 1806, to labour as a stated missionary at Sandusky, 
and had been actively engaged there in the fultihnent of his 
duties, from the first of April of that year. During that, 
and the succeding year, matters went on very prosperously, 
and his labours were greatly blessed. Several of the In- 
dians became seriously exercised, and one aged woman gave 
considerable evidence of a saving change.* But, in the ear- 
ly part of the year 1808, difficulties sprang up, which proved 
a source of much trouble, and tended to impede the opera- 
tions of the mission. These difficulties originated with a 
Scotchman of the name of Patterson, who was engaged in 
selling whiskey to the Indians. This was productive of in- 
jury, both to them, and to the cause of religion among them. 
In this iniquitous traffic, Mr. Badger opposed him. He be- 
came offended, and wrote to Gen. Hull, who was Governor 
of Michigan, preferring complaints against Badger, and re- 
questing his removal. The Indians, he alleged, were great- 
ly dissatisfied with him, and nothing but his removal could 
* Min. Gen. Assembly, 1806. Appendix, 



118 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

allay the feeling of hostility which existed against him. 
The Governor thereupon ordered Mr. Badger to Detroit, to 
answer to these complaints. He promptly obeyed the or- 
der, at the time appointed, but his accuser did not appear. 
His journey, however, was not unproductive of good, as he 
fully satisfied the Governor of the integrity and correctness 
of his conduct, and of the injustice which had been done 
him, by the complainant. So strongly was the Governor 
convinced of this, that he is said to have expressed the opin- 
ion, that a suit might have been sustained against Patterson 
for slander. But, Mr. Badger had no desire to prosecute 
the matter in this form, being satisfied with having demon- 
strated to the Governor, the entire rectitude of his conduct. 
Patterson was informed of the result, and being displeased, 
determined to make another eflbrt to accomplish his end. 
He, therefore, procured the signatures of the pagan party 
among the Indians, to a paper, in which they united with 
him in urging upon the Governor, the removal of Mr. Bad- 
ger. To this, the Governor yielded so far, as to suspend 
him temporarily from the exercise of his office, as a teacher 
in the school, until the difficulties could be adjusted. In the 
mean time, Mr. Badger, as well as the Governor, wrote to 
the Board of Trust, requesting them to send some of their 
members to investigate the complaints and charges, which 
had been preferred against him. 

In this crisis, the Board, at their meeting on the 20th of 
April, appointed the Rev. Messrs. Marquis, Anderson, and 
Macurdy, to go to Sandusky on the first of September fol- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 119 

lowing, for the purpose of inquiring into the difficulties, and 
investigating the complaints against their missionary. At 
the time appointed, the Committee proceeded to the station, 
and entered upon a full examination of the whole case. 
The result was, the entire acquittal of Mr. Badger from all 
blame. It appeared evident, also, that the hostility of Pat- 
terson against him, originated in the opposition made by 
Badger to the traffic in ardent spirits among the Indians. 
So fully were the Committee satisfied of these facts, that 
Messrs. Anderson and Macurdy took occasion to remonstrate 
with Patterson, on the groundless character of his complaints, 
and the impropriety of his course, and finally induced him 
to promise that he would relinquish his opposition, and give 
them no farther trouble. It was judged best, however, after 
consulting with the Indians, that, in the excited state of feel- 
ing which existed in the minds of many, Mr. Badger should 
absent himself for some time, and, that one of the three bre- 
thren should remain in his room. This he could do with 
the greater facility, as an arrangement had been previously 
made, that he should take a journey, during the winter, 
through the Eastern States, for the purpose of aiding the 
funds of the Mission. It M'as, therefore, determined, that 
he should leave immediately, and that Mr. Macurdy should 
remain, and assume the performance of his duties. This 
being agreed upon, Messrs. Anderson and Marquis returned 
home, leaving Mr. Macurdy at the station. 

The following extract from his journal, of which a few- 
pages only have been preserved, will show the condition of 



120 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

the Indians, and the state of Mr. Maciirdy's own mind, at 
this trying period : 

"Tuesday, Sept. 13th. — Messrs. Marquis and Anderson 
started this morning for home, and I am to remain at San- 
dusky, until the first of November, to struggle with the dif- 
ficulties of the mission. If I do any good, it must be of 
God, for no man living is suflicient for these things. Litde 
else is to be seen here but naked human depravity, influ- 
enced by all the auxiliaries Satan can apply. Here, Satan 
has his seat, and this is the time of his peculiar sway. They 
(the Indians) have been collecting for ten days past, from 
different places and tribes, and this is to be the week of their 
Great Council. Hundreds more are yet expected. The 
plains are now swarming with them, and they appear to be 
full of devilish festivity, although they can scarcely collect 
as much of any kind of vegetables as will allay the impe- 
rious demands of nature. They are here almost every hour 
begging for bread, milk, meat, melons, or cucumbers; and, 
if they can get no better, they will eat a ripe cucumber with 
as little ceremony as a hungry swine. And, notwithstand- 
ing this state of outward wretchedness, and these mortify- 
ing circumstances, they are swollen with pride, and will 
strut about, and talk with an air as supercilious as the great 
Mogul. Their ceremonies, also, are conducted with as much 
pomposity, as if they were individually Napoleons or Alex- 
anders. 

"Their houses, when they have any, are wretched huts, 
almost as dirty as they can be, and swarming with fleas and 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 121 

lice. Their furniture, a few barks, a tin or brass kettle, a 
gun, pipe and tomahawk. Their stock are principally dogs. 
Of these, they have large numbers, but they are mere skel- 
etons, the very picture of distress. These unhappy people 
appear to have learned all the vices of a number of miser- 
able white men who have fled to these forests, to escape the 
vengeance of the law, or to acquire property in a way al- 
most infinitely worse than thai, of highwaymen. They are 
so inured to white men of this description, that it is next to 
impossible to make them believe you design to do them 
good, or that your object is not eventually to cheat them. 
It is vain to reason with them. Their minds are too dark 
to perceive its force, or, their suspicions bar them against 
any favourable conclusions. Such is their ingratitude, that 
whilst you load them with favours, they will reproach you 
to your face, and construe your benevolent intentions and 
actions, into intentional fraud, or real injury. They will 
lie in the most deliberate manner, and to answer any splfish 
purpose. They will not bear contradiction, but will take 
the liberty to contradict others, in the most impudent and 
illiberal manner. 

"This picture comes far short of the miserable condition 
of these wretched people. In the midst of these people, 
must the Missionary live. The dangers, difliculties, and 
trials connected with them, must be the companions of his 
life. Surrounded with them, he lies down to sleep, and 
through them, he walks all the day, without a friend to give 

him counsel, to help him to bear his load, or hear him tell 
10 



122 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

the sorrows of his heart, except one. That is Jesus, who 
says, 'Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end 
of the world.' Under this promise, he can lie down^and 
sleep comfortably. In this, he has infinite wisdom, almighty 
power, and boundless grace, engaged for him ; and he may 
safely say, 'Those that are for me, are more and mightier, 
than all my foes ; and yet, will I be fearless, though an host 
encamp against me.' Thus, must it be with the man, who 
would be a Missionary at Sandusky. What patience, w s- 
dom, fortitude, benevolence, and self-denial, must enter into 
the composition of the man, that is qualified to fill this im- 
portant station ! None but a man of Apostolic temper will 
answer the purpose. He must live every day as seeing Him 
who is invisible. His comfort must come from God, and 
from the testimony of a good conscience. His expectation 
of reward, must be beyond the grave, in that region where 
the wicked cease from troubling, and the weary are at rest. 
No honour or emolument that this world can confer, can 
compensate him, for the sacrifices he must make, and the 
trials he must endure."* 

The difficulties connected with Mr. Badger's ease, had 
exerted a disastrous influence upon the school. The greater 
part of the Indians, especially of the pagan party, had taken 
their children from it. Not more than a dozen attended, 

* There is a striking coincidence between the views here expressed, 
and those of the youthful George Archibald Lundie, while contemplating 
the difficulties and responsibilities of the Missionary work, in the midst of 
the heathen, in whose service he laid down his life. "The Missionary," 
he writes, "must be a man who can unreaervedly and confidently throw 



I 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 123 

when Mr. Macurdy commenced his labours among them. 
To these, however, he proceeded to impart instruction daily, 
with as much punctuality and fidelity as though the school 
had been full. Nor was he without some grounds of en- 
couragement. On the morning of the day that he entered 
the school, his friend Barnett called upon him, and manifes- 
ted much concern about the perplexed state of affairs. He 
acknowledged that they were an unreasonable and intracta- 
ble people; that he had found them asserting falsehoods 
against Mr. Badger; and that they even vented their displea- 
sure against himself, when he rebuked them for it. He 
urged him to patience and perseverance, expressing the 
hope that God would yet crown the Mission with success. 
And during the whole time that Mr. Macurdy remained, he 
gave his example and influence to promote its highest inter- 
ests. The increasing evidence which he gave of sound con- 
version to God, was, also, a source of great encouragement 
to Mr. Macurdy. In the midst of the surrounding igno- 
rance and degeneracy, he wept and prayed for the salvation 
of his countrymen. Morning and evening, in a wigwam of 
bark, he worshipped God, with his family. And, on some 
occasions, when requested, he prayed in their public meet- 
ings. "He prayed in the name of Jesus, that God would 

himself into the hands of God. He must be ready at any hour to give 
up his life for Jesus' sake. He must be wholly given up to his work — 
not half-hearted and wavering, but choosing and delighting in this, more 
than anything else. The glory of God must be his ruling passion. His 
education must be good — a man of sense and judgment, at least in an 
ordinary degree — 'not a novice.' '* — Miss. Life in Samoa p. p. 300 — L 



124 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

pour out his Spirit on the poor Indians, and bring them to 
embrace the gospel, and that he would make his own heart 
better." So appropriate and solemn were his prayers, that 
Isaac Walker, the interpreter, was led to remark, that "he 
prayed, not like the Indians, but like the white people." 
His son John Barnett, no doubt, through his influence, occa- 
sionally attended the school. He would willingly have been 
always there, but for the opposition of his mother, to which 
he was obliged to yield. 

It was, moreover, a source both of gratification and encou- 
ragement to Mr. Macurdy, to meet with Peter Johnston 
here, the young Mohawk, who had formerly resided in his 
family, and to find him manifesting great seriousness. This 
Indian lamented to him his own situation, and that of his 
people, and expressed his surprise at the folly and wicked- 
ness of the Wyandots, in not receiving the gospel, and in 
refusing to send their children to school. He said, the Mo- 
hawks would be glad to have the opportunities which were 
presented to the Wyandots, and that some of them intended 
to come to the station, that they might enjoy the advantages 
of the mission. This favourable state of mind, on the part 
of Johnston, was, no doubt, under God, owing to the early 
religious instruction which he had received, in the family of 
Mr. Macurdy, at Cross Roads. 

The pagan party soon began to show an anxious desire to 
have their children again admitted into the school. With 
an evident view to this, they often came and entered into 
conversation with Mr. Macurdy. As he understood their 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 125 

character fully, and the best mode of testing their sincerity, 
he concluded that he would not be hasty in yielding to their 
wishes. He told them, that the Mission had taken their 
children into the school, when they were poor, and lousy, 
and dirty; that they had washed, and clothed, and fed them ; 
but, that they had taken them away, without any sufficieni 
cause; and that now, they might keep them, as the Mission 
could easily procure a sufficient number from Brownstown. 
lie, therefore, ordered them to go away, telling them, that 
lie did not now want their children, and would not have 
them. They accordingly retired, but returned the next day, 
bringing with them their children, whom they wished to 
place in the school; but, he again sent them off, as before. 
On the day following, they again returned, with their chil- 
dren, and earnesdy begged that tliey might be received into 
the school. Having thus made full trial of their sincerity, 
and humbled them for their past bad behaviour, he, atlength, 
told them, that he would take tiieir children on condition 
that they would sign an article of agreement, binding them- 
selves not to take them away, without his consent. To this, 
they acceded, and having signed the obligation, their children 
were again admitted into the school. 

The number of Indians who convened to attend the great 
Council already referred to, seems to have been large. About 
five hundred Sacs came over to the Wyandots, with much 
parade. The day of their meeting was the Sabbath imme- 
diately subsequent to the departure of Messrs. Marquis and 

Anderson. On the morning of that day, Mr. Macurdy 
10* 



126 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

wrote in his journal, as follows. "Our prospects of use- 
fulness this day, are very small. Our interpreter is gone, 
and we can have no access to the poor heathen. The white 
people are mostly from home, or sick. The Indians are to 
have their Great Council. They are gathering from all quar- 
ters. It is not yet seven o'clock, and I have seen nearly 
fifty marching across the plains to the Council house, where 
they have two wooden gods erected. The Devil will have 
many worshippers to-day, in this place, while few are to be 
engaged in worshipping the King, the Lord of Hosts. The 
most we can do for them, is to pray that God would open 
their eyes, and turn them from their idols to the living God. 
We may well feel like the prophet, when he said, 'Oh, that 
my head were waters, and mine eyes a fountain of tears, 
that I might weep day and night, for the slain of the daughter 
of my people.' " The event, however, proved more favour- 
able than he had anticipated. For, in the evening, he add- 
ed: "Contrary to my expectations, a number of white peo- 
ple, (from the neighbourhood,) and some travellers attended ; 
also, a number of Indians, most of whom could understand 
the English language. One Mohawk who attended, talked 
good English. I had some conversation with him. He had 
one of the gospels with him, in his own tongue, and could 
read it. He said his Bible told him, that what I said was 
true — that all men were sinners, and there was no Saviour 
but Jesus. I preached from Amos 5: 6. About fifty per- 
sons, in all, attended. Barnett appeared to feel." 

On the Saturday following, Longhouse, a Wyandot Chief, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 127 

and five or six other Indians, accompanied by a certain Abra- 
ham Williams, as an interpreter, came to Mr. Macurdy 
early in the morning, and told him that they were hungry, 
and wished to have some meat. They informed him, more- 
over, that their father, Isaac Williams, (who was a half Indian, 
and a chief,) had made them a present of an ox, some time 
before, that they might have some meat and broth when they 
were hungry — that Mr. Badger had killed the ox, and allowed 
them to get one from him, in the room of it — and that they 
had come now for that purpose. 

To this pretence, Mr. Macurdy replied, that he knew 
nothing about the ox, which they alleged had been killed by 
Mr. Badger, and could give them no redress. If their father 
Isaac Williams had sustained injury, he could obtain repara- 
tion in a proper and legal way. But, he did not believe 
their claim to be a just one, and would not, therefore, allow 
it. The cattle did not belong to him, but to the Missionary 
Society, and he had no right to give them away to them. 
After some consultation among themselves, the Indians 
repeated their demand, and insolendy told Mr. Macurdy, that 
if he did not give them an ox, they would take one — that 
this was their way of doing things. He reminded them, that 
the Missionaries and their property, were under the protec- 
tion of the United States, and that if any attempt was made 
to do injury to either, he would immediately apply to the 
Governor for redress. They, then, endeavoured to persuade 
him to comply with their demand, but he told them, it was 
in vain, and that he would not. Upon this, the Indians 



128 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

again declared ihey would take the ox by force, and actually 
sent some of their men to drive the cattle up to the bars of 
the enclosure, for the purpose of making their selection. 
Longhouse had loaded his gun, to be ready to secure their 
victim, as soon as the cattle should be brought up. By this 
time, some twelve or fifteen Indians had coine together, and 
were pointing out the ox intended for th-e slaughter. 

During the progress of these events, Mr. Macurdy had 
gone to Judge Tupper, the United States Agent, and informed 
him of the unwarrantable conduct of the Indians, and of his 
determination to make resistance. And, as it was his inten- 
tion, in the event of their killing any of the cattle, to go to 
Detroit, and secure damages against them, he requested the 
Agent to go with him, and be a witness to whatever might 
occur. Tupper seemed alarmed, and begged to be excused. 
He said, "the Devil had got into the Indians," and that he 
would not go among them. Mr. Macurdy replied, that he 
had no desire to expose him to personal danger; but, as for 
himself, he felt it to be his duty, and he had made up his 
mind, to resist their unrighteous attempts upon the property 
of the Mission. Accordingly, taking with him two hired 
men, and an Indian boy, who could interpret, he proceeded 
to the place where the Indians had collected the cattle. He 
there informed them, that they need not think to carry their 
point by force — that, thougli tiiere was a number of them, he 
was not afraid of them — and that if they dared to shoot one 
of the caUle, they might depend on having to pay for it, as 
he would proceed on Monday to Detroit, and get the price of 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 129 

it out of their annuity, The bold and decided manner in 
which he addressed them, and the fear of losing part of their 
annuity, made a strong impression upon them, and tended 
much to check their aggressive movements. Availing him* 
self of the effect thus produced, and in anticipation of their 
farther action, he promptly ordered his hired men to drive 
off the cattle. They did so ; and driving them into their 
own yard, shut them up there. The Indians appeared 
greatly excited, and "looked like as many devils." But, he 
told them, he wsls not afraid of them, and requested them to 
tell Wdliams, that his ox was too long dead to be eaten, and 
remaining on the ground, he addressed them with indignant 
severity and firmness, until they went off fairly beaten. 
Tupper, the Agent, although he had declined appearing on 
the ground, had been a careful observer of the contest, and 
its result. And when it was over, he told Mr. Macurdy, 
that he had learned more than he had ever before known, of 
the proper method of managing Indians. He was now fully 
convinced, from what he had seen, that the true way was to 
meet them with unflinching firmness, and to show no fear. 
Mr. Maeurdy remained at the station until about the last 
of October. During the whole of the lime, he taught regu- 
larly in the school, and preached on the Sabbath. He did 
much, also, to awaken a personal interest, in the minds of 
individuals, on the subject of religion, by conversing with 
them about their souls. Several persons, in consequence of 
his faithful dealings with them, seem to have been led to seri- 
ous reflection in relation to their eternal interests. In his man- 



130 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

agement of the Indians, he evinced much skill, and acquired 
great influence over them. By his unyielding firmness and 
decision, he inspired them with respect and fear, and by his 
affectionate kindness, when they behaved with propriety, he 
won their hearts. When they made unjust, or unreasonable 
demands, or were quarrelsome and ill-natured, he showed 
them no favour, but sternly rebuked, and dismissed them 
from his presence. But, when they made a request for that 
which was lawful and proper, and in a becoming manner, it 
was promptly granted. He seems, indeed, to have been 
well adapted to the station which, for a season, he had been 
called to occupy. Having completed the term of his en- 
engagement, he returned to Cross Roads, 

Previous to the year 1810, the meetings of the Board of 
Trust were statedly held in Washington county. In the 
Spring of that year, the Society was incorporated by an act 
of the Legislature of Pennsylvania. From that time, Pitts- 
burgh became the stated place of their meetings. This oc- 
casioned a general change in the members of the Board. 
Mr. Macurdy, however, was continued, and laboured with 
unceasing zeal for the success of the work in which they 
were embarked. 

The next year, (1811,) he was called to Sandu&ky, ac- 
companied by Mr. William Rea, a Ruling Elder, to adjust 
some difficulties relative to the Superintendent and Teacher, 
which, it is understood, they successfully accomplished.* 

* This statement is made on the testimony of Mr. Macurdy himself and 
that of the Rev. George M. Scott. But, by whose appointment he went, 
does not appear, as no notice is taken of it in the Records of the Board, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 131 

The war which broke out the following year, between the 
United States and Great Britain, proved highly disastrous to 
the mission, as Sandusky became the seat of active military 
operations. The course of events soon required a tempo- 
rary suspension of missionary efforts in that quarter. This 
was accordingly ordered, and the property disposed of, on 
favourable terms, by Messrs. William Lee and John Duncan, 
Elders in Mr. Macurdy's church, who had been appointed 
for that purpose. 

During this second visit to Sandusky, he met with his 
friend Barnett, for the last time, and on leaving the station 
bade him a final adieu. He was greatly attached to Mr. 
Macurdy, to whom he felt himself indebted for much of his 
progress in religion. Mr. Macurdy had taken a deep inter- 
est in him and his family, and had made them special objects 
of prayer and instruction. On a previous visit to Cross 
Roads in 1809, Barnett had, after a very full and satisfactory 
examination, by several ministers, been received into the 
church of that place, by baptism, in the presence of a deeply 
affected and weeping congregation. On another occasion, 
during the following winter, which he and his family spent 
at Cross Roads, that they might be near Mr. Macurdy, and 
enjoy the advantages of religious instruction, his three chil- 
dren, Joseph, Elisha and Sarah were baptized in the same 
church. He himself, also, learned to read, during this season, 
through the persevering and self-denying efforts of Mrs. Ma- 
curdy. Before leaving, in the spring, he gave up his son 
Joseph to Mr. and Mrs. Macurdy, expressing his earnest 



132 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

desire that they would take him, and train him up for God. 
They, accordingly, took him into their family, where, for 
many years, he enjoyed the benefit of their faithful instruc- 
tions and earnest prayers. Barnett himself died before the 
close of the war of 1812, in the peaceful hope of a blessed 
immortality, through the merits of the Saviour. He was 
the steadfast friend of the Americans ; and his sons, John 
and Joseph, afterwards gave evidence of their grateful regard 
for the favours which they had received, by giving their in- 
fluence to forward the efforts of the Missionary Society, 
among their countrymen and neighbours. This will be seen 
in its proper place. The present notice of Barnett and his 
family, however, will prepare the reader better to understand 
occasional references which may be made to any of them 
hereafter. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 133 



CHAPTER VI 



Visit to Cornplanter — Third visit to Sandusky— 'Mr. Coe's school at Green- 
field — Fourth visit to Sandusky — -Difficulties in exploring the country- 
Offer of the Indians — ^Its acceptance recommended— Mr. Macurdy ap- 
pointed to go out again-— Declines— Messrs. Swift and Law's exploring 
tour—School at Greenfield suspended—Mission established at Maumee 
and Mr. Macurdy's first visit to that place—Procures a site and com- 
mences the erection of buildings— Mission family organized — Mr. Tait 
— Mr. Robbins — Mr. Macurdy's second visit to Maumee — His illness, 
and return home — Transfer of the Mission to the United Foreign Mis- 
sionary Society — His third visit to Maumee — His fourth and last visit — 
Estimate of his Missionary labours — His exertions on behalf of Indian 
Missions — Results of these missionary efforts. 



Although the Board had been obliged to suspend their 
Missionary operations among the Indians, on the Sandusky, 
they did not abandon the cause of Indian Missions. Hence, 
in December, 1814, on the report of the Rev. Thomas Hunt, 
who had been sent out to collect information on the subject, 
they established a school, and made arrangements for mis- 
sionary labour, among Cornplanter's Indians, on the head 
waters of the Allegheny river. By their appointment, Mr. 
Macurdy performed a missionary tour to that station, in the 
latter part of August, and the beginning of September, 1816, 

with a view to the establishment of another school, provided 
11 



134 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

sufficient encouragement were given. Although Cornplan- 
ter received him in the most friendly manner, and expressed 
his anxious desire to have the existing school continued, he 
discouraged the organization of an additional one, believing 
it to be impracticable. During this tour, Mr. Macurdy's la- 
bours appear to have been very abundant. He preached al- 
most every day, sometimes twice ; visited the Indian school; 
procured by subscription and otherwise, for the benetit of 
the Mission, upwards of fifty dollars; and returned home at 
the expiration of a month, having travelled between four and 
five hundred miles. After some time, obstacles arose to im- 
pede the successful operations of this school. The Board 
became satisfied, that it could not be continued with profit. 
And, at a meeting held October 10th, 1818, they appointed 
Mr. Macurdy to visit Cornplanter's town again, and use his 
efforts to induce some of the Indian boys, who were con- 
siderably advanced in their studies, to come into the w^hite 
settlement, and complete their education. Whether he ful- 
filled this appointment, or not, we do not know. But, the 
object of it was not attained, and the school was soon after- 
wards abandoned.* 

The Rev. Alvin Coe, who had been sent out by tlie Board, 
as a Missionary to the northern parts of the State of Ohio, 
had written home, that the Wyandot Indians, at Upper San- 
dusky, were anxious to have a School and Mission estab- 
lished among them. In consequence of this, Mr. Macurdy 

* Presb. Miss. p. 54. Rec. Board of Trust, p. 82. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 135 

was appointed, on the 28th of April, 1818, to occupy mis- 
sionary ground, for two months in that State; and "more 
especially, to visit the Indians at Upper Sandusky." And, 
at the next meeting in June following, he was "authorized to 
write to the Missionary Society [the Synod] of Ohio, rela- 
tive to their co-operation in the object of his mission to the 
Sandusky Indians." In pursuance of his appointment, he 
spent the month of September in missionary labours, in the 
central parts of Ohio, preaching almost daily, and travelling 
altogether between three and four hundred miles. That part 
of his appointment, however, which related to the Sandusky 
Indians, he did not fulfil. This was owing, no doubt, to the 
fact, that, at Zanesville, he had obtained information, that the 
Indians had gone to attend a Council at St. Mary's. The 
Board, therefore, renewed his appointment, the next Spring. 
The Synod of Ohio, also, appointed the Rev. James Scott, 
of Mount Vernon, to accompany him to Sandusky, and as- 
sist in ascertaining the state of the Indians, and the pros- 
pects for re-establishing a mission among them at that place. 
In accordance with this arrangement, these two brethren 
went out together, some time during the summer. On their 
arrival, they found that a coloured man, who professed to be 
a Methodist, had been preaching among them, and had ac- 
quired considerable influence over them. Many of the In- 
dians were not at home, and those who were, generally op- 
posed the establishment of a mission. After a careful ex- 
amination of the whole ground, the brethren were of the 
opinion, that nothing could be done, and on their return 



136 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

home, made their report, in conformity with this view of the 
subject. 

Upon inquiry, while at Sandusky, they found John Bar- 
nett, who was married and had one child. At their first 
interview in the presence of other Indians, he affected not to 
understand them, and spoke to them through an interpreter. 
But, afterwards, he conversed freely with them, in their own 
language. Mr. Macurdy invited him to bring his wife and 
child, and live with him, generously offering, that if he would, 
he would support them all. He, moreover, gave him money 
to defray the expenses of the journey. Barnett came some 
distance with them, but, declining to proceed farther, they 
left him, and he continued with his tribe. 

The following Springs (1820,) the Board received a com- 
munication from the Presbytery of Portage, advising them, 
that the Rev. Mr. Coe had commenced a school among the 
Indians at Greenfield, Huron County, Ohio, and requesting 
assistance. The request was granted. Mr. Coe himself, 
afterwards wrote to Mr. Macurdy, to send him clothing for 
the children, which, with the sanction of the Board, he col- 
lected and forwarded. Upon a farther application by him, 
for aid, the Board, at a meeting held April 3d, 1821, appointed 
Mr. Macurdy to visit that part of the country, in which the 
school was situated, and collect such information respecting 
the Wyandots, Chippewas, and Ottawas, as would enable 
them to judge of the propriety of establishing a permanent 
Mission among one or other of these tribes. 

On this mission, he set out some time in the month of 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 137 

May, taking Joseph Barnett with him. He found Mr. Coe, 
at a place called "Strong's Settlement," the School at Green- 
field having been broken up, and the scholars dispersed. Mr. 
Coe informed him that, in anticipation of his arrival, he had 
gone to Portage river, and invited a Council of Indians to 
come together and confer with them, at a specified time, 
which had now nearly arrived. They, therefore, proceeded 
immethately to meet the Council. On their arrival at the 
place appointed, they received a message from the Indiana, 
that they could not hold their Council, until the next week. 
This induced them to return to Coe's. In attempting this, 
they were subjected to considerable inconvenience and dan- 
ger. In endeavouring to get across to Sandusky City, they 
experienced much delay. It was some time, before they 
could find any one, who was willing to take them over. At 
length, they found a man who conveyed them to Bull's Is- 
land, but who left them there, telling them, that they could 
easily secure a passage thence to the city. In this, how- 
ever, they failed, and had to remain over night on the island. 
The next morning, after travelling, for some time, around 
the island, tliey discovered a man with a canoe in the bay, 
who answered to their signals, and took them over. The 
canoe frequently dipped water, and as the surface was rough, 
they were in imminent danger of going down. But, by the 
good providence of God, they passed over in safety, and in 
due time, reached the residence of Mr. Coe. Although they 
failed to secure the attendance of the Indians, on this occa- 
sion, they afterwards succeeded in holding a conference with 
11* 



138 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

the Senecas, at their own town. In thi.s, they were happily 
aided by Joseph Barnett, who accompanied them from Low- 
er Sandusky, where they had before left him. They met, 
also, in Council with three Chiefs, at Upper Sandusky, 
where John Barnett assisted them, and acted as interpreter. 
These Chiefs professed to be dissatisfied with the Metho- 
dists, and proposed, that if the Society at Pittsburgh would 
send them a Teacher, to instruct their children, they would 
give them a lot of ground at Big Spring, four miles from 
Sandusky, on which to erect a school house. This was an 
encouraging offer^ 

As Mr. Macurdy's commission extended to the Ottawas, 
who resided on the Maumee river, he made an effort to 
reach Maumee, but the impassable character of the swamps 
on the route, prevented him from accomplishing his object. 
Before leaving Sandusky, however, he and Mr. Coe collected 
some Indian boys, at Greenfield, and prevailed upon Joseph 
Barnett to remain and teach the school, until the next fall. 
This he did, with fidelity and success. He, also, employed 
the boys, when out of school, in agricultural labour, and by 
their agency, cleared, during the summer, two acres of 
ground. Tiiese M'ere some of the fruits of those habits of 
study and industry which he had acquired at Cross Roads. 
After attending as far as practicable, to the objects for which 
he had been sent out, Mr. Macurdy returned home, and met 
the Board, on the 21st of June, at Pittsburgh. 

At this meeting, he made a full report of his proceedings, 
anJ recommended Big Spring, as the most suitable place to 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 139 

establish a permanent station. "Without coming to any final 
decision on the question of location, the Board resolved to 
take Mr. Coe's school at Greenfield under their care, and 
made an appropriation towards the erection of additional 
buildings, for the accommodation of the scholars. Mr. Ma- 
curdy understood the Board, also, as expressing a desire, 
that he would hold himself in readiness to go out in the fall, 
and establish a station there. In the mean time, he and the 
Rev. Elisha P. Swift were directed to prepare and publish 
a circular letter to the churches, with a view to secure con- 
tributions to the Indian school, and for other purposes. 
He, also, gave his personal efforts, to some extent, towards 
the collection of funds for this object. 

Some time after this, he received a letter from Pittsburo-h. 
advising him that the brethren there, were desirous to have 
Maumee visited, before anything farther be done, and inviting 
him to attend a meeting of the Board, to be held on the 14th 
of August, in reference to that subject. To this, he replied, 
that he would not attend the proposed meeting, but, that he 
was ready to go on, and commence an establishment at Big 
Spring. Notwithstanding this intimation of his views, the 
Board, at their meeting in August, appointed him in connec- 
tion with the Rev. Messrs. Ehsha P. Swift and Michael Law, 
[32] to proceed to the Indian country, and if, after making 
the requisite inquiries, they should judge it expedient, to fix 
upon a site for the Mission, make preliminary arrangements, 
and enter into covenant with the Indians, subject to the fu- 
ture decision of the Board. After the opposition manifested 



140 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

by him, to tliis movement, some of the members of the 
Board, thought it useless to appoint him. But, Messrs. 
Swift and Law encouraged his appointment, expressing their 
belief, that his great zeal for the interests of the Indians, 
would overcome his objections, and induce him to fullii it. 

Shortly after receiving their appointment, these two breth- 
ren proceeded on their mission. Circumstances requiring 
them to take different routes, it was agreed, that they should 
meet at Mr. Coe's, at Greenfield. Mr. Law went by the 
way of Mr. Macurdy's residence, in the hope that he would 
go with him. In this he was disappointed. Mr. Macurdy re- 
fused to go, saying that he would not spend his time in the 
prosecution of what he deemed visionary projects. And, 
as there was only a month until the meeting of Synod, when 
final action was expected to be taken on the subject, he al- 
leged, that there was not time to go to Maumee, explore the 
country, hold councils with the Indians, fix upon a station, 
and make other necessary arrangements towards the efficient 
organization of the plan. Finding him inexorable, Mr. Law 
proceeded without him, and met Mr. Swift at Coe's, accord- 
ing to appointment. From iMr. Coe's, they proceeded to 
Maumee, by the way of Sandusky, crossing Portage river, 
and the Black Swamp on their route. Passing down the 
river to the mouth of Swan Creek, where Toledo now 
stands, they had an interview with a considerable number 
of the chiefs and other Indians. To them, they explained, 
as well as they could, the object of their visit. But, as they 
had to address them through two intermediate interpreters, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 141 

having no one, who understood both the English and In- 
dian languages, they were not certain that they were fully 
comprehended. 

The Indians received their communications with respect, 
but with evident caution, having had their minds prejudiced 
by some profligate traders, who dreaded the introduction of 
the gospel amongst them. To the proposition for a council 
they gave their assent. But, the time of holding it, as de- 
signated by them, was so far distant, as to prevent the infor- 
mation derived from it, from being communicated to the 
Synod at their approaching meeting. Finding that they 
could eflect no alteration in their purpose, and judging it im- 
portant, that the Synod should be put in possession of the 
results of their inquiries, as far as they had been ascertain- 
ed, it was agreed that Mr. Swift should return home, and 
meet the Synod, and that Mr. Law should remain and hold 
the proposed council with the Indians. This plan being 
adopted, Mr. Swift immediately set out, and reached Pitts- 
burgh on the day of the meeting of Synod. The Indians 
failed to perform their engagement, and did not meet Mr. 
Law in council, as was expected. While remaining, for the 
purpose of doing all in his power, to secure the object of 
his appointment, he was taken with fever. This disabled 
him for any further eflbrts. He, therefore, left Maumee, 
with the hope of reaching home, but was unable to proceed 
farther than Ashland, Ohio, where, on the 9th of October, 
1821, he departed to the enjoyment of his reward. 

The results of this exploring tour, were not such as 



14S THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

seemed to authorize the immediate establishment of a sta- 
tion at Maumee. The Board, however, kept the object in 
view, and indicated by their proceedings, their intention to 
prosecute the matter farther, in due time. The School at 
Greenfield was not in a very encouraging state, and, in the 
event, that accommodations could not be secured, by Mr. 
Coe, at the Seneca Village, it was resolved to suspend it, 
until the next Spring. This latter alternative, it is believed, 
was adopted, and it does not appear, that the School was 
ever again revived. 

Although Mr. Macurdy seems to have judged correctly, 
in deciding against going to Maumee, on account of the time 
before the meeting of Synod being too short to accomplish 
the object designed, it is not so clear, that his reasons for 
wishing to retain the Mission at Sandusky, were equally 
well founded. It is not difficult to suppose, that his judg- 
ment may have been somewhat warped in favour of this sit- 
uation, from his great attachment to the Barnett family, from 
his intimate acquaintance and former labours among the Wy- 
andots, and from the appearances of good among them, in 
connection with past missionary efforts. Be this as it may, 
the gradual dispersion of the Indians on the Sandusky river' 
the great increase of white inhabitants, and the more central 
position of Maumee in relation to the denser settlements of 
the Indians, led the Board to seek for a place where they 
might establish a mission in that region. In the mean time, 
they retained the School at Greenfield, as long as there ap- 
peared to be any hope of its success. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 143 

The contemplated Mission at Maumee, was, at length, 
established, by resolutions of the Board, on the 15th of Jan- 
uary, 1822. The first two of these resolutions are as fol- 
lows : — "1. Resolved, after a mature and solemn considera- 
tion of all the facts and statements laid before them, both for 
and against such a measure, that this Board are led to the 
conclusion, all things considered, there does appear to be 
sufficient encouragement, in the Providence of God, for the 
establishment of a Mission among the Ottaway Indians, on 
the Maumee river, in the Michigan Territory. 2. Resolved, 
that the Board proceed to take the requisite measures, for the 
location of a Mission, in that vicinity, as early as conve- 
nient." 

In conformity with this last resolution, the Secretary of 
the Board was authorized to invite the application of suita- 
ble persons, to constitute a Mission family ; and Mr. Ma- 
curdy and others were appointed to collect funds, in the dif- 
ferent Presbyteries, for their support. At a meeting of the 
Board, also, on the 11th of June, the Rev. Messrs. Macurdy. 
and Joseph Stevenson were appointed Commissioners to pro- 
ceed to Maumee, fix upon the site of a missionary station, 
purchase three hundred and twenty acres of land, and super- 
intend the erection of such buildings, as might be necessary 
for the temporary accommodation of the Mission. The 
same commissioners were directed to confer with the Synod 
of Ohio, on the subject of the Mission, and to solicit the aid 
of the ministers and churches belonging to that body. This 
appointment of Mr. Macurdy, after his opposition to the 



y 



144 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

measure, which it was designed to carry out, shows that the 
Board had not lost their confidence in him ; and his prompt 
acceptance, proves that his zeal in the cause of Indian Mis- 
sions had not suffered any abatement. It is understood, 
moreover, that the Board deferred to his wishes, in the ap- 
pointment of Mr. Stevenson, as he had suggested him, as a 
man possessing the requisite firmness and energy for such a 
service. 

About the middle of August, these commissioners set out 
on their journey to Maumee. They travelled together as 
far as Columbus, Ohio. At that place they parted, Steven- 
son going by Urbana, where he had private business, and 
Macurdy going by Delaware, where the Office for the entry 
of government lands was kept. There, he had an interview 
with the Receiver of the Land Office, to whom he frankly 
made known the object of the Board, and their desire to pro- 
cure a tract of land, for a missionary station, in the vicinity 
of Maumee. The Receiver, after pointing out to him, a par- 
ticular section, which he wished to retain for himself, told 
him that he might make choice of any of the others, which 
were not entered. Having obtained as much information as 
he could, in reference to the character and situation of the 
vacant lands, he proceeded to Indian Zane's residence, on 
the head waters of Mad River. Being joined there by Mr. 
Stevenson, they went together to Maumee, opposite Fort 
Meigs, passing on their way Fort M'Arthur and Fort Find- 
lay. In this vicinity, they selected a tract of land contain- 
ing one hundred and fifty two acres, which they determined 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 145 

to obtain, as the site of the contemplated mission, and, as 
soon as practicable, to commence the erection of a building. 
At the same time, they resolved to explore an Island in the 
river, of which they had heard very favourable accounts, 
with a view to make up the complement of land, which they 
had been instructed to purchase. With the aid of a gentle- 
man by the name of Cross, they succeeded in getting from 
the main land to the island, though not without some hazard 
having been obliged to swim part of the way. In the up- 
per part of the island, they found a beautiful tract of land, 
which, in regard to situation and fertility, seemed well adapt- 
ed to the object which they had in view. Of this, they 
concluded to enter one hundred and sixty-eight acres, which, 
added to the other, would make the three hundred and tv/en- 
ty required. 

Before commencing the erection of the building, it was 
thought best that Mr. Macurdy should visit Gov. Cass at 
Detroit, confer with him on the whole subject, and obtam 
his sanction to the measures in progress. In the mean time, 
Mr. Stevenson became quite unwell, and was threatened with 
a severe attack of the fever which was then raging at Mau- 
mee. Having become a good deal alarmed, he considered 
it imprudent for him to remain. With the concurrence of 
Mr. Macurdy, therefore, he started for home. On the way 
he grew worse, and was obliged to stop at Delaware, where 
he lay ill, for some time, with the fever. By the blessing 
of God on the use of the means employed he recovered. 

And, before leaving Delaware, he made an entry, and paid 
12 



146 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

for the two tracts of land, which they had selected at Mau- 
mee. To these, the Board afterwards added another half 
section of three hundred and twenty acres, adjoining the 
first tract: thus securing, altogether, six hundred and forty 
acres, for the use of the Mission. 

The unexpected sickness and consequent absence of Mr. 
Stevenson, prevented Mr. Macurdy from visiting Detroit, 
and conferring with the Governor, as he had intended. Be- 
ing obliged, therefore, to remain at Maumee, and all matters 
respecting the property and the site having been arranged, 
he determined to commence his preparations for building. 
The house which it was proposed to erect, was to be sixty 
feet in length, and twenty in breadth, with a partition of 
logs running across it, dividing it into two apartments. The 
first thing to be done, was to procure men to cut down and 
prepare the timber. The Hudson Presbytery had promised 
to send on a sufficient number, but, from some cause, had 
failed to meet their engagement. He had, therefore, to seek 
for them, in the neighbourhood. Upon his making the an- 
nouncement, that wood-cutters were wanted, he soon had 
numerous applications. But, the applicants had entered in- 
to an agreement among themselves, that they would not 
work for less than a dollar a day. This, he positively re- 
fused to give, and explicitly informed them, that fifty cents 
per day, was the most he would allow them. After holding 
back for a few days, and finding that he was not likely to 
come to their terms, six of them agreed to accept his offer, 
and work for fifty cents a day. These, he immediately put 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 147 

into the woods, to cut down timber, for the Mission house. 
As he took the personal direction and oversight of the work 
himself, he discovered, during the first day, that two only of 
the six, were competent labourers, and that the others were 
not worth the wages, which he had offered. He, therefore, 
made an agreement with those two, to remain permanently 
with him, at the stipulated wages. And, in the evening, 
after he had paid the others for their day's labour, he inti- 
mated to them, that they need not return, unless he sent 
for them. In the course of a few days, the two men whom 
he had retained, had a sufficient number of logs cut for the 
building. By the time this was done, he had a man on 
the ground ready to hew them, and forthwith turned in 
his wood-cutters to dub^ before him. And whenever the 
hewer, who was a skilful and rapid workman, gained upon 
the dubbers, he himself procured an axe and assisted them. 
Thus, by his prompt and vigorous eflbrts, in about ten days, 
the whole of the logs and joists were cut and hewed — ready 
for putting up. A thousand feet of boards, also, were hauled, 
and about an acre of land cleared, and ready for cultivation. 
In all this preparation, he performed as much labour, and 
underwent as severe fatigue, as any of his hired men. So 
anxious was he, that the plan should not fail, for want of 
efficient co- operation on his part, and that the house should 
be ready, by the time it was needed. 

* ^^To dub.'>^ This term is technical, and is used to express the pro- 
cess of preparing the log for hewing, by chipping the surface to be 
hewed, or making numerous incisions into it, with an axe, at short dis- 
ances from each other. 



148 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

While matters were thus going forward at the station, the 
Missionary family was rapidly filling up, and the time of its 
organization definitely fixed. As this time approached, sev- 
eral of the persons who had been received by the Board, 
arrived at Pittsburgh. But, during the progress of these 
events, objections to the organization of the family began to 
be started. With the origin and character of these objec- 
tions, we are not acquainted. But, the views of those who 
urged them, so far prevailed, that the organization was post- 
poned, until after the meeting of the Synod, "for the purpose 
of taking the advice and direction" of that body. With this 
delay, some of the Board were much dissatisfied. So inaus- 
piciously did the matter present itself to the mind of one of 
the leading members, that he wrote to Mr. Macurdy, dis- 
couraging, him from farther action, and expressing the opin- 
ion, that he had better abandon the enterprise. Mr. Ma- 
curdy received a letter from his wife, also, about the same 
time, saying, that all hope of success appeared to be at an 
end, and that she would expect him home shortly. 

He was not, however, to be deterred from the prosecution 
of the work in which he was so deeply embarked. Although 
he disapproved of the delay, he did not despair of ultimate 
progress. He, therefore, wrote immediately to some of the 
leading members of the Synod, invoking their influence to 
have the obstacles removed. He urged them to push for- 
ward the organization of the Missionary family, and to have 
them sent on to their field of labour. At the same time, he 
determined that he would proceed with his own work at the 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 149 

Station, until the means placed at his disposal, were exhaust- 
ed ; — that, he would, to use his own language, "strike the 
stake so deep, that it would not be easy to pull it up again." 
Accordingly, on a day appointed for the purpose, and with 
the aid of some of the people from the neighbourhood, he 
put the house up to the roof. But, his means being nearly 
exhausted, and having received no intelligence respecting the 
Missionar}' family, or the progress of events at Pittsburgh, 
he left the station, and returned home, having been absent 
two months.* 

In the mean time, the Synod had met, and the whole mat- 
ter had been very fully discussed. The result was an almost 
unanimous decision, that there was "sufficient encourage- 
ment to authorize the Board to proceed, without delay in 
the organization and establishment of a missionary family 
among the Ottoway Indians" — and "that the said family be 
organized in Pittsburgh, on Tuesday evening, the 7th inst." 
Agreeably to this decision and arrangement, the missionary 
family, consisting of twenty-one persons, was organized at 
the time and place appointed. At their head, was the Rev. 
Samuel Tait, [33] a member of the Presbytery of Erie, 
who was appointed Superintendent, pro tempore. On the 
eleventh of October, they took their departure for their field 
of labour; but did not meet Mr. Macurdy, as he was on his 
way home, by a different route. Of these proceedings, he 
had no information until he arrived at the house of the Rer. 



Rec. Board of Trust, p. 160. 
12^ 



150 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

Thomas Hunt, near Steubenville. The family reached the 
station, in due time, where Mr. Tait remained during the 
winter, faithfully and diligently attending to the duties of the 
Mission. The next Spring, he returned home, having spent 
seven months in the service of the Board. 

On the ninth of July following, A. D. 1823, the Board 
appointed the Rev. Ludovicus Robbins, of the Presbytery 
of Washington, Superintendent of the Mission, in the place 
left vacant by Mr. Tait, and fixed upon the second of Sep- 
tember, as the time for setting him apart to that station. 
At the same meeting, they appointed Messrs. Macurdy and 
Stevenson, to visit the Mission during either of the ensuing 
months of August or September, and to solicit contributions 
on its behalf, from the churches through which they must 
pass, in going to and returning from Maumee. In pursuance 
of this appointment, Mr. Macurdy proceeded to Maumee, 
in August. It does not appear from any information within 
our reach, that Mr. Stevenson went with him. On his ar- 
rival, he found much sickness among the members of the 
mission family. The secular concerns of the establishment, 
also, were not in the best order, owing to the want of a Su- 
perintendent, These circumstances imposed on him an un- 
usual amount of care and toil, which he cheerfully under- 
went. Nor were any efforts wanting, on his part, to intro- 
duce system into the operations of the Mission, and to pre- 
pare it for the more vigorous prosecution of its work. While 
thus actively employed, Mr. Robbins, who had been set 
npart by the Board, at the time appointed for that purpose. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 151 

arrived at the station. Mr. Macurdy introduced him to the 
various members of the mission family, and assisted him in 
the completion of such arrangements, as were yet unfinished. 
In the midst of these exhausting labours, he was attacked 
by fever. At first, the disease was of a mild character, but 
in its progress became more virulent. Finding himself grow- 
ing worse daily, he determined on making an effort to reach 
home. Accordingly, he set out, and after riding ten miles, 
he stopped and made an appointment to preach on the next 
day, which was the Sabbath. The suffering which he en- 
dured, from the presence of a burning fever, did not prevent 
him from fulfilling his engagement. He preached twice. 
On Monday morning, he proceeded on his journey, but suf- 
fered much through the day, from oppressive sickness, chills 
and fever. At evening, he reached a house in "the Black 
Swamp." When he alighted from his horse, his limbs re- 
fused to perform their office, and it was some time — and then 
with great difl^culty — before he was able to drag himself into 
the house. There he lay all night, on a miserable pallet, 
encaged in his clothes, leggins, and boots. These he was 
not able to remove himself, and the woman of the house had 
not a sufficient amount of benevolent feeling to induce her 
to assist him. The next day he was unable to proceed. 
The day following he rode some distance and stopped. So 
wretchedly bad, however, were the accommodations, that he 
began to be afraid that he might die for want of proper at- 
tendance. He, therefore, determined to push forward at all 
hazards. And, having procured a man to accompany him, 



152 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

he travelled on, under the most intense suffering, until Thurs- 
day evening, when he reached the house of the Rev. Robt. 
Lee, near Ashland, Ohio. From thence he was removed, 
the next morning, to a Mr. Pollock's in the same neighbour- 
hood, where he received every attention which his circum- 
stances required. At the same time, a messenger was dis- 
patched with letters to Mrs. Macurdy and the Rev. Thomas 
Hunt, informing them that he was ill, and desiring them to 
meet him at Mr. Pollock's, and assist him in reaching home. 
On his arrival at Cross Roads, the messenger found Mrs. 
Macurdy in the midst of heavy domestic affliction. Only 
a week before, she had buried their youngest child, Elisha, 
a lovely boy, whom his father had left in the vigour of health 
when he went to Maumee. Sarah, their only surviving 
child, was lying apparently at the point of death. Under 
these circumstances, the tidings of Mr. Macurdy's illness, 
added to the severity of her trials. For although the letter 
she had received was written with due caution, she very na- 
turally concluded that he was dangerously indisposed, or 
they would not have sent a person in such haste to convey 
to her the information. She, therefore, promptly determined 
that she would go and see him. Her child, it is true, was 
ill — very ill. She looked for nothing else than that she 
would die. But her husband's sister and other kind friends 
were there, to minister to her wants, and do whatever the 
exigencies of the case required. And, having made the re- 
quisite arrangements, and given direction for her daughter's 
funeral, in the event of her death, she set out for Ashland, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 153 

which Mr. Hunt had reached in advance of her. On her 
arrival at Mr. Pollock's, she found Mr. Macurdy in a state 
of great prostration, and very ill. He took but little notice 
of any thing around him, and barely recognized her. It was 
some time before he began to recover. But, by the blessing 
of God, upon the means employed, the disease was arrest- 
ed, and he gradually acquired strength. After remaining 
there several weeks, he was conveyed, by short journeys, 
to his home, where he arrived, after an absence of two 
months, or upwards. In the mean time, their daughter had 
recovered, and after the heavy trials through which they had 
been called to pass, they had cause to "sing of mercy," as 
well as "of judgment." 

The injurious effects of this severe and protracted attack 
of fever, were long felt by Mr. Macurdy. The consequence 
was, that finding himself unable to perform the requisite 
amount of pastoral duty, he, after some time, resigned his 
charge of the congregation of Three Springs, and confined his 
labours to that of Cross Roads. The cause of Indian Mis- 
sions, however, still engaged much of his attention, and as 
strength and opportunity were afforded, he was ever ready 
to aid in carrying forward this work. 

About this time, various causes conspired to induce the 
belief, that the Mission at Maumee might be conducted with 
greater advantage, under a different organization. These, it 
does not fall within our province, at present, to investigate. 
It is sufficient to observe, that a large number of the most 
active and zealous friends of the Mission, among whom was 



154 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

Mr. Macurdy, concurred in this belief. This led to an over- 
ture, on the part of the Synod, to the Board of the "United 
Foreign Missionary Society," at New York, in reference to 
a transfer of the station at Maumee to that Board. After 
some correspondence, the Rev. Messrs. O. Jennings, E. 
Macurdy, and E. P. Swift, were appointed by the Board of 
the Western Missionary Society, on the twelfth of April, 
1825, to confer with the Board of the United Foreign Mis- 
sionary Society, on the subject of the proposed transfer, and 
to give such farther explanations, as might be necessary. 
The result was, that an arrangement was made, by which 
"the United Foreign Missionary Society did engage lo take 
the missionary station at Maumee, under their care and ex- 
clusive direction, and pay the Board of Trust of the West- 
ern Missionary Society, one thousand dollars in cash, pro- 
vided, the Synod of Pittsburgh shall duly and legally con- 
vey and transfer to them the said station, with all the real 
and personal property of the Board of Trust of said society 
thereunto belonging, to be the property, and employed for 
the use of said Un. For. Missionary Society."* 

This agreement, made by their Committee, was ratified 
by the Board of Trust, at their meeting in June, and by the 
Synod, at their meeting in October following. The Rev. 
James C. Crane, the Domestic Secretary of the U. F. Mis- 
sionary Society, was present on the occasion in Synod, and 
expressed the continued assent of that Society to the con. 
tract entered into with the Committee in the Spring. The 
* Rec. Board of Trust, p. I6S, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 155 

arrangement having been thus completed, Mr. Macurdy was 
appointed to accompany Mr. Crane to Maumee, for the pur- 
pose of settling up the affairs of the Mission to the time of 
the transfer, and of formally putting the Secretary in posses- 
sion of the property. This appointment he fulfilled ; and 
having accomplished the objects of their journey, he and 
Mr. Crane returned together to Pittsburgh. After an inter- 
view with the Board, and visiting a number of the churches, 
on behalf of the Mission, Mr. Crane left Pittsburgh, near 
the last of December, for New York, the place of his resi- 
dence. On his way, he became very unwell, and it was 
with great difficulty, that he reached home, where he died, 
on the 12th of January, 1826, in the bosom of his family. 

Upon the transfer of the United Foreign Missionary Soci- 
ety to the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign 
Missions, the Mission at Maumee fell under the control of 
that Board. Some difficulties connected with the internal 
organization of the Mission family, at that station, had ex- 
isted, about the time that it passed out of the hands of the 
West. Miss. Society. These had been adjusted, by Messrs. 
Macurdy and Crane, on their visit to the station. But, they 
again made their appearance. Upon their recurrence, Mr. 
Evarts, the Secretary of the American Board, wrote to Mr. 
Macurdy, requesting him, as he had a familiar acquaintance 
with the whole state of the Mission, to visit the station, and 
endeavour to settle the difficulties, or to ascertain the facts, 
and advise what should be done. Shortly after the receipt 
of his letter, the Rev. Dr. Anderson, of Upper Buffalo, came 



156 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

to Mr. Macurdy's. His health being bad, his congregation 
had advised him to travel, for the purpose of repairing it, 
and he had left home, with the intention of being absent 
some length of time. Mr. Macurdy, on learning these cir- 
cumstances, advised him to go to Maumee, and proposed to 
join him, and that they should set out the next morning. To 
this, Dr. Anderson assented, and the next day they were on 
their way to the station. Immediately on their arrival at 
Maumee, they entered upon a careful examination of the 
difficulties alleged to exist. After ascertaining all the facts, 
and agreeing upon what they deemed the best method of 
disposing of the case, they returned home. Mr. Macurdy 
communicated the result to Mr. Evarts, who wrote, in reply, 
approving of what they had done, and indicating the pur- 
pose of the Board, to act in accordance with their advice. 
This, it is believed, they did, very much to the advancement 
of the interests of the Mission. 

To form a proper estimate of Mr. Macurdy's labours, in 
the cause of Indian Missions, there are some particulars, 
which need to be more distinctly stated. From the origin 
of the Western Missionary Society, he was a member of the 
Board of Trust, and assisted, as stated already, in forming 
the constitution under which they acted. He was elected 
Treasurer in October, 1814, which office he held until July, 
1826, when the operations of the Board ceased. The Re- 
cords of the Board show him to have been one of the most 
active members, in the adoption and execution of those 
home measures, which were indispensable to the success of 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 157 

the Mission. Hence, we find him on committees, at various 
times and for different purposes— to procure missionaries — to 
purchase articles for their outfit, and to give them instruc- 
tions — to select superintendents for the Mission, and employ 
school masters — to make reports to the General Assembly — 
to hire men and wagons to convey their stock and goods to 
the station — to raise funds, and settle the accounts of mis- 
sionaries, with other matters of like kind. The perform- 
ance of these several duties, must necessarily have involved 
the expenditure of much time and labour. But, a much 
greater amount of both, was expended by him, in his fre- 
quent attendance on the meetings of the Board, from which 
he was rarely absent, except when at the missionary station, 
or detained by special dispensations of Providence. During 
the first eight years of which we have the Records, he at- 
tended about twenty-five meetings, at distances varying from 
five, to twenty-five miles, from his residence. In doing this, 
he must have travelled, in going and returning, not less than 
six hundred miles. During the last twelve years, in which 
the Board met statedly at Pittsburgh, he was present at more 
than fifty meetings, in going to and returning from which, 
he travelled, at least, two thousand six hundred miles. If 
we add to these a like proportion for the years 1802, '03 and 
'04, and 1812, '13 and '14, in which there were, doubtless, 
various meetings of the Board, on which he attended, but of 
which we have no records, it will make the aggregate amount 
travelled for this single purpose, at least, 3500 miles. 

From the facts already stated, it appears that he performed 
13 



158 THE LIFE OF MACURDV. 

four journeys to the missionary station at Sandusky, and 
four to that at Maumee, making eight in all. These stations 
were at an average distance of more than two hundred miles 
from Cross Roads. So that in accomplishing those jour- 
neys, and two to Cornplanter's, we cannot estimate the num- 
ber of miles travelled at less than four thousand five hun- 
dred. Adding this amount to that arising from his atten- 
dance upon the meetings of the Board, it will give us an ag- 
gregate of about eight thousand miles, travelled in the pro- 
secution of the great interests of Indian missions. And, 
these journeys, let it be recollected, were not performed 
in steam boats, or rail road cars, or even in stage coaches, 
over good roads, and protected from the inclemency of the 
weather. But, they were performed on horseback, in all 
seasons of the year, during every sort of weather, and over 
roads, and through swamps and rivers, in passing which he 
had often to encounter much difficulty, and no common fa- 
tigue and exposure. 

So deeply were his feelings embarked in behalf of the In- 
dians, that he embraced every opportunity which presented 
itself, to employ his efforts for their benefit. The following 
incident may serve to show, how strongly impulsive his 
mind was on this subject. On one occasion, as he was re- 
turning from the station at Maumee, he passed through a set- 
tlement, or village, known by the name of " Kinsman's." 
He found there a band of Indians, who expressed a strong 
desire to have a teacher or missionary settled among them. 
Their extreme poverty .their nakedness, and deep moral de- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 159 

gradation, rendered them objects of sincere commiseration. 
His feelings became warmly enlisted on their behalf, and he 
determined, forthwith, to make an effort to have their condi- 
tion improved. And, as he could not reach home before the 
Sabbath, he turned aside, on Saturday evening, to the house 
of the pastor of one of the neighbouring churches, to whom 
he made known their situation. He requested of him the 
privilege of presenting their condition lo his congregation^ 
on the next day, and soliciting clothing and other articles, 
such as their wants demanded, and as would fit them to ap- 
pear in a public meeting for religious instruction. The pas- 
tor, at first, demurred, and discouraged the application, ex- 
pressing the opinion that nothing could be done. Mr. Ma- 
curdy, however, insisted, and proposed to the minister to go 
and preach in some remote part of his congregation, and 
leave him the pulpit, that he might make the experiment on 
behalf of the Indians. He finally succeeded in securing this 
arrangement, and on the Sabbath morning he appeared in 
the church, and preached on the subject of Missions. His 
feelings became deeply interested, and he pleaded the cause 
of the poor Indians, with earnest and persuasive eloquence. 
He described to the people their naked and destitute condi- 
tion, their physical and moral degradation, their exposure 
to the curse of God, and the dark and cheerless prospect 
which lay before them, while destitute of the knowledge of 
Christ, and without any one to point them to the Lamb of 
God. He then pressed upon them their solemn and indis- 
pensable obligations, as a part of the christian church, to 



160 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

afford ihem relief, by making provision for their wants, and 
sending them the gospel of the Son of God. At the close 
of the discourse, he gave notice to the members of the con- 
gregation, that he would meet them the next day, at the 
church, and receive their offerings of clothing and other ar- 
ticles, such as they might find it most convenient to give. 
The invitation was cordially responded to. At the time ap- 
pointed, the people came in great numbers, loaded with their 
gifts. Articles, to the value of a hundred dollars or upwards, 
were contributed. Mr. Macurdy was greatly delighted and 
encouraged. His heart swelled with gratitude. In due time 
he returned to the village, and presented his gifts to the poor, 
destitute sons of the forest, indulging the hope that God was 
preparing the way for him to do them still greater good, by 
sending them the gospel of peace. But his hopes and be- 
nevolent elforts were defeated, by the obstinate opposition of 
Kinsman, the proprietor of the place, and others, to the es- 
tablishment of the mission. On this account, the project 
had to be abandoned. 

The great amount of missionary labour performed by Mr. 
Macurdy, necessarily called him away much of his time 
from his congregation. In his absence, his pulpit was sup- 
plied by neighbouring ministers, appointed by the Presby- 
tery. And so deeply were his people imbued with his spi- 
rit, that they seem to have cheerfully acquiesced in his ab- 
sence, for the sake of the cause whose interests he was 
seeking to promote. Some, indeed, there were, whose hearts 
did not beat in sympathy with his, on this subject. But, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 161 

even from these, he did not fail, occasionally, to draw sup- 
plies, to help forward his favourite object. Thus, on a certain 
occasion, he went to the house of one of his people, to obtain 
a contribution for the benefit of the Indian Mission. The 
man was old, and infirm, and not able to be out of his bed. 
He owned a considerable estate, and was abundantly able to 
give. But, he possessed a worldly spirit, and gave but little 
to the cause of Christ. In the course of the conversation, 
Mr. Macurdy inquired, whether he did not think it desira- 
ble, that sinners should be brought to the knowledge of 
Christ? To this, he gave an affirmative answer. .He far- 
ther asked him, whether, in order to this, they must not 
have the gospel preached to them? "0 yes! undoubtedly!" 
he replied. But, then, it was asked again, "Whose duty is 
it to send them the gospel ? Is it not the duty of the church?" 
He said, he supposed it was. "Then," rejoined Mr. Pvla- 
curdy, "if it be the duty of the church, it is the duty of 
every individual member, for it is the individual members, 
who compose the church. And, it is your duty to aid in 
this work, and to give of your abundance to send the gospel 
to those who are without it." The man excused himself, 
saying, that he did not feel able to give any thing at that 
time. "You are able," replied Macurdy, "I know you have 
a bushel of dollars in your house, for I have seen them ; and 
if you refuse to give a share of them to the Lord, they will 
prove a curse to you. And, I now summon you to meet me, 
with your money, at the judgment bar of God, to answer to 

him, for refusing, this day, to give him a portion of that 
13* 



162 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

which he has so liberally bestowed upon you!" The effect 
of this solemn appeal upon the old man, was more than he 
could endure. His whole frame appeared agitated, and with 
tremulous voice, he said to his son, who was near at hand, 
" Son, bring me that bag of money which is in the desk!" 
The bag was brought, and the old man counted out six dol- 
iars^ — a very large sum for him — and gave them to assist in 
sending the gospel to the benighted and destitute Indians. 
Thus did Mr. Macurdy labour with assiduous zeal, at home 
and abroad, and in various ways, to serve the society with 
which he was identified, and to shed the light of divine truth 
into tlie dark minds of the heathen tribes on our own 
borders. 

As to the results of the labours of the Western Mission- 
ary Society among those various tribes of Indians, it is im- 
possible to calculate them with exact certainty. Some 
spiritual fruit appeared both at Sandusky and Maumee. 
And, although there was not as much as the devoted and 
sanguine friends of the cause anticipated and desired, there 
was enough to gladden their hearts, and to assure them that 
God had not left them to labour altogether in vain. At San- 
dusky, Barnett, as we have already seen, died in the faith of 
the gospel. His wife, with his two sons, John and Joseph, 
are reported to have become pious, and to have connected 
themselves with the church. Joseph, after his conversion, 
was active in promoting the cause of missions. He travel- 
led with the Rev. Richard Brown, of Steubenville Presby- 
tery, when acting as an agent for the American Board of 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 163 

Commissioners for Foreign Missions, delivered addresses, 
and aided him in his work. Afterwards, he removed with 
the Shawnees, to the Indian Reservation on the Missouri 
river. There he was residing in 1833, when the Rev. Wm. 
D. Smith visited that part of the country, on an exploring 
tour, by the appointment of the Western Foreign Mission- 
ary Society. He accompanied Mr. Smith on his journey, 
and was of important service to him. Subsequently, he 
built a house for the missionaries at the Wea station estab- 
lished by that society. The editor of the Missionary Chron- 
icle speaks of him, as "a pious, educated and intelligent In- 
dian of the Shawnee tribe."* Mr. Smith, also, notices him 
in the most favourable terms. Besides the Barnetts, and 
Hampton Northorp before mentioned, there was a woman 
familiarly known by the name of *' the Jew's mother," who 
embraced the christian religion, and was reputed a true 
convert. 

At Maumee, about the same number of converts were enu- 
merated, at the time the Western Missionary Society closed 
their labours at that station. Two of these died in the chris- 
tian faith, affording hopeful evidence of the safety of their 
state. Such were the recollections of Mr. Macurdy on this 
subject, communicated, by him, to the writer a few years 
before his death. 

In connection with these visible religious results, the men- 
tal culture and general moral improvement of the youth, in 
the school, ought to be taken into the account. They were 
* Miss. Chron. Vol. 1, p. 53. 



164 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

very considerable. The intellectual powers of the scholars 
were strengthened ; and the seeds of divine truth which were 
implanted in their minds, prepared the way for develope- 
ments of a higher and more spiritual character. 

The influence of these missionary operations upon the 
church was, also, highly favourable. The ministers and 
people of God had their benevolence and faith called into 
frequent exercise, and were thus trained for more efficient 
and extended efforts in the cause of Christ, and of a perish- 
ing world. It was the same spirit w^hich was nurtured and 
invigorated amidst the trials and labours of Sandusky and 
Maumee, which, a few years afterwards, gave birth to the 
Western Foreign Missionary Society, and which found its 
still higher developement in the organization of the Board 
of Foreign Missions of the Presbyterian Church. That 
the Synod of Pittsburgh, in the character of the Western 
Missionary Society, did much to bring about these results, 
cannot be reasonably doubted. "Always," to use the lan- 
guage of the venerable Dr. Green, "the most forward and 
active Synod of the Presbyterian church, in missionary en- 
terprise and effort,"* she kept alive and cherished the mis- 
sionary spirit until it diflfused its power into an organization 
embracing the whole Presbyterian church, and having for its 
object the conversion of the whole world. And, under this 
new form of organization — which may properly be said to 
have had its commencement in the Synod of Pittsburgh in 
1831, when the Western Foreign Missionary Society was 
Preebyterian Missions, p. 102. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 165 

constituted — in the persons of her heroic sons, educated 
within the walls of her own institutions, she promptly led 
the way, in preaching the gospel to the crowded millions of 
Northern India and China, and the scattered tribes of the 
aboriginal inhabitants of our own continent. Nor has she 
been lacking since, in furnishing her proportion of mission- 
ary labourers, the healthful fruits of the fervent prayers and 
self-denying toils of Macurdy and his honoured associates 
in this enterprise of benevolence. 

But, however beneficial the results of these missionary 
movements may have been to the Indians, and to the church 
in general, it may be thought that Mr. Macurdy's participa- 
tion in them to so great an extent, must have proved disas- 
trous to the cause of religion in his own congregation. This 
it may be readily supposed, must have suffered, from his ab- 
sence, and from the amount of attention and labour which 
he devoted to the interests of the Society. But, such appears 
not to have been the case. Indeed, the very reverse was 
the fact. We have before us the Register, kept by himself, 
of the admissions to the church under his care, from April, 
1815, to April, 1833, in which the whole number in com- 
munion, at the end of each year, is carefully noted. From 
this it appears, that with the exception of three years with- 
in that period — in two of which the diminution was very 
small — there was a successive annual increase, in the whole 
number of communicants. And, what is worthy of particu- 
lar notice is, that the largest annual increase of numbers, in- 
cluding the whole period of his most active missionary la- 



166 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

hours, was, during the very year of his longest absence from 
his people, and of his most anxious and self-denying efforts 
for the advancement of the interests of the mission. Instead, 
therefore, of his congregation sustaining injury, from this 
cause, they were greatly profited. A spirit of prayer and 
faith, and expansive benevolence was cherished among them, 
and while they made sacrifices for the salvation of the hea- 
then, God rewarded them, by adding to their communion, 
from among their own friends and neighbours, "such as 
should be saved." How desirable is it, then, in the view of 
these facts, that every church cultivate a missionary spirit, 
and that pastors and people be made to understand that those 
who are most forward in watering others, may themselves 
expect to be most abundantly watered. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 167 



CHAPTER VII 



Miscellaneous Facts — Col. Rutgers — Dr. Jennings' First Appearanc* 
in the General Assembly — Mr. Macurdy and an Elder — Rebuke of a 
Noisy Professor — His Treatment of a Quack Doctor — Death of Mrs. 
Macurdy — Tribute to Her Character — His Second Marriage — Revival 
in His Church — Its Effects — Rouse and Watts — Sermon at Wash- 
ington before Gen. Jackson — Resignation of His Charge — Subsequent 
Labours — Convention of 1842 — His Farewell Address — Last Time at 
Church — Private Efforts to do Good. 



la tracing the efforts of Mr. Macurdy in the cause of 
Missions, we have been led forward to an advanced period 
of his ministry. Before proceeding farther, it may be pro- 
per to return, and notice some incidental facts, which have 
been passed over, as not immediately connected with that 
subject. These, must necessarily be introduced in a some- 
what miscellaneous form, as it will be impossible, in many 
cases, to preserve their chronological order and historical 
connection. Whenever it is practicable, the order of time 
will be observed, but where this cannot be ascertained, the 
want of it, will not prevent the introduction of isolated facts 
and anecdotes, tending to illustrate the character or princi- 
ples of the subject of this memoir. 

Mr. Macurdy was not often a member of our highest eccle- 



168 THE LIFE OP MACURDY. 

siaslical court. The first General Assembly, in which he 
appeared as a commissioner, was that of 1805. Of that As- 
sembly, Col. Henry Rutgers, a Ruling Elder from New 
York, well known as a man of wealth, and of active piety 
and benevolence, was a member. Being well acquainted 
with his character, Mr. Macurdy had made up his mind to 
apply to him for a donation, to aid a poor and pious young 
man of his neighbourhood, in the prosecution of his studies 
for the gospel ministry. One day, while meditating the form 
of his application, he was anticipated by the Rev. Mr. ^*^*', 
also, a member of that Assembly, who stepped forward, and 
asked Col. Rutgers for a contribution, towards the erection 
of a house of worship in the town in which he resided. As 
the Col. hesitated, the member, with a tone of authority, 
tempered with very little courtesy of manner, insisted upon 
a favourable response. Whether the Col. may have thought 
that the object presented was not one, which, at that time, 
he ought to patronize, is not known. But, however this 
may have been, he was evidently offended at the dictatorial 
manner of presenting it, and positively declined compliance 
with his application. Of this unsuccessful effort of his fel- 
low member, Mr. Macurdy was an attentive observer. But 
he saw nothing in what had taken place, to alter his opinion 
of Col. Rutgers, as a man of benevolence and liberality. 
The manner of the application was evidently calculated to 
invite a repulse, and he readily perceived that the Colonel 
might have been tempted to withhold his money for the pur- 
pose of teaching the gentleman good manners, and that he 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 169 

himself would be the judge of the objects on which to be- 
stow his benefactions. Instead, therefore, of being discour- 
aged, he resolved that, profiting by the results of his obser- 
vation, he would embrace the earliest opportunity that offer- 
ed, to introduce to the attention of Col. Rutgers the case of 
his beneficiary. Upon the occurrence of such an opportu- 
nity, he entered into a free conversation with the Col. on 
the condition of the church in the West. He dwelt parti- 
cularly on the great want of ministers to supply the increas- 
ing demands of the rapidly extending population. Even if 
candidates were in the offer of the church, she had not the 
means to educate them. To illustrate this, he mentioned, 
that a young man of promising talents had fallen under his 
own observation, who might be brought into the ministry if 
means could be procured to educate him, but he knew of 
none. Those who felt the importance of such things, in his 
part of the church, were generally too poor to afford him 
support. And, as for those of a different character, their as- 
sistance was not to be expected. 

Observing that he had said enough to attract the attention, 
and awaken the religious sensibilities of Col. Rutgers, he 
passed to other topics of conversation, without any direct 
intimation, that he expected a donation from him. When 
about to separate, the Col. turned to him, with a meditative 
expression of countenance, and said, "Mr. Macurdy, I have 
been thinking of that young man, to whom you just now re- 
ferred. I have no funds here, at present, that I can spare. 

But, I intend to write for some to New York to-day, and 
14 



170 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

when ihey arrive, 1 will see you again on the subject." He 
was as good as his word. For, meeting Mr. Macurdy, a 
lew days afterwards, he said to him, "Well, sir, I received 
a draft from home, this morning, for some money. Here 
are twenty dollars for the use of that young man of whom 
you spoke the other day, and whom you desire to aid in pre- 
paring to preach the gospel." The money was thankfully 
received and applied accordingly. This result, while it bore 
testimony to the quick discernment and good common sense 
of Mr. Macurdy, discovered, at the same time, the pious sen- 
sibility and active benevolence of Col. Rutgers, whose mind, 
left to its own promptings, was ever ready to seize upon ap- 
propriate objects, and afford them the requisite assistance. 

Another General Assembly, to which he was delegated, 
was that of 1813. Of that Assembly, the -late Rev. Dr. 
Obadiah Jennings [34] was a member. While at the bar, 
wliere he had practised law for many years with distinguish- 
ed ability, he was elected a Ruling Elder in the Presbyterian 
church. In that capacity he now appeared for the first time 
in the Assembly, as one of the r; presentatives from the 
Presbytery of Ohio. He was a great favourite with Mr. Ma- 
curdy, who often repeated, with much satisfaction, the fol- 
lowing anecdote, which occurred curing the Sessions of that 
Assembly. 

Near the close of a very earnest discussion relative to the 
permanent site of the Theological Seminary at Princeton, 
in which th3 Lading members of the Assembly, from that 
quarter, had laid out their strength, Mr. Jennings, an entire 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 171 

Stranger to most of the body, arose. He commenced review- 
ing their arguments, in a clear and forcible manner, separa- 
ting them into their elements, and laying the different parcels 
aside for subsequent use. The attention of the house was 
soon arrested by the unknown speaker, and Mr. Macurdy 
was assailed with inquiries from different quarters. "Who is 
that man?" said one to him. "It is a back-woods Elder!" re- 
sponded Macurdy. "A back- woods Elder!" rejoined the 
other, "He speaks well." "Who is that speaking?" inquired 
another. "It is a back-woods Elder," was again the reply. 
" He is a smart fellow — he knows what he is about!" was 
the pithy and emphatic rejoinder. And, by the time he was 
through his speech, all were satisfied that the back-woods 
Elder was no novice in debate, as he had carried confusion 
into much of the logic of the Rev. Fathers in the Assembly, 
and given them no little trouble in gathering up the frag- 
ments. 

After the establishment of the Theological Seminary at 
Princeton, Mr. Macurdy was appointed by several succes- 
sive General Assemblies, to collect funds for that institution, 
in his own and an adjacent Presbytery. In the prosecution 
of his agency, on one occasion, he went into a congregation, 
on a certain Saturday evening, and stopping at the house of 
one of the Elders of the church, he introduced the object of 
his visit, and asked him to subscribe. The Elder excused 
himself, alleging the hardness of the times, and the extreme 
difficulty of procuring money. His worldly circumstances 
would not justify it. According to his own account, he was 



172 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

very poor, although really a man of considerable wealth. 
He was, moreover, of the opinion, that nothing could be 
done in the congregation, money was so scarce. After lis- 
tening, for some time, to his discouraging complaints, and 
perceiving that nothing was likely to be gained, by pressing 
the matter farther, Mr. Macurdy changed the subject of con- 
versation. Intentionally giving his remarks a secular direc- 
tion, he began to talk with him freely about his farm and his 
crops, and his stock, with other matters of this kind. Hav- 
ing thrown him off his guard, and obtained from him some 
admissions of the value and extent of his possessions, he 
ventured the suggestion, that it might be well for him to add 
to the amount of his land. The Elder, at first, seemed to 
question his ability, but thought such an accession very de- 
sirable. Falling in with the current of his feelings, Mr. Ma- 
curdy attempted to show him, by a reference to his various 
sources of income, some knowledge of which he had inci- 
dentally elicited, that he was abundantly able to add another 
farm, at least, to what he already possessed. At length, the 
good man was convinced, and concurred in the opinion, that 
he might extend his property with safety by the addition of 
some Western lands. 

Having thus gained his point, Mr. Macurdy suddenly turn- 
ed about, and charged home upon him, his worldly covetous 
spirit; telling him, that while he thought himself too poor 
to aid the cause of Christ, by his subscription, he believed 
himself abundantly able to increase his worldly possessions, 
by the purchase of an additional farm. "And, now, sir," said 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 173 

he, after pungently rebuking him, "I came here, intending to 
stay with you to-night, and present the cause of the Semi- 
nary to the church here, on to-morrow ; but, you are too 
poor ! I must, therefore, leave you ! " And, suiting the 
action to the word, he rose to his feet, and began to move 
towards the door. "Oh!" said the Elder, "you are not go- 
ing, Mr. Macurdy." "Yes," replied Macurdy, "I must go — 
my conscience will not permit me to stay with a man who 
is so miserably poor, as you are!" The Elder, deeply 
mortified, insisted that he should stay. But, he was inexo- 
rable, and having mounted his horse, which had not been 
removed from the door, he rode to the house of a friend in 
the neighbourhood, where he remained during the night. 
The next day, he went and preached in another congrega- 
tion. 'J'hus, did he rebuke, both by word and action, the 
parsimony of a man who was too poor to give anything to 
the cause of ministerial education, but was not too poor to 
indulge the cravings of his avaricious spirit, by adding to his 
worldly estate. 

As Mr. Macurdy was himself a man of liberal disposition, 
he held in great abhorrence, and treated with little forbear- 
ance, a selfish, avaricious temper in those who professed to 
be the disciples of the benevolent Saviour. This, we have 
seen, in the anecdote just related. In the following instance, 
which occurred a nnmber of years afterwards, we have a 
similar exhibition of the cutting severity with which he re- 
proved the seliisliness, that would withhold from Christ, un- 



174 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

der the pretence of extraordinary zeal for the spirituality of 
his service. 

On a certain occasion, he was present with one of his 
brethren, assisting him at the administration of the Lord's 
Supper. On the Monday following, an Agent of one of the 
benevolent institutions addressed the congregation on behalf 
of the cause he represented, and invited their contributions. 
Some of the people professed to be much scandalized. After 
the service was over a number of them were collected in a 
store, which was in the vicinity of the church. The appeal 
of the Agent for funds became the subject of conversation. 
Various objections were started, by some of the company. 
One man, who was a bold and noisy professor, was much 
in earnest in his opposition. He pronounced the application 
for money, at such a time, to be altogether unsuitable. "We 
have," said he, "been attending on the holy Sacrament of our 
Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who, for the last three days, 
has been feasting us on the mount; and now just at the close 
of this sacred feast, to have our hearts chilled, and our ears 
stunned, with this cry for money, is too bad ! It is intoler- 
able !" 

Mr. Macurdy, who had stepped into the store, probably 
unobserved, and heard this devout rhapsody, could endure 
it no longer ; but, putting himself forward, in the direction of 
the speaker, and looking earnestly at him, sarcastically re- 
plied — "Yes, sir ! you have been with the Saviour on the 
mount; and according to your statement, he has been feast- 
ing you there for three days, with the rich provisions of his 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 175 

grace ; and now, when he comes, by his servant, and asks 
you for a dollar, out of the abundance which he has given 
you, to aid in carrying forward his cause in the world, you 
grow angry, and quarrel and complain, as though he did you 
some horrible injustice ! This is the return you make him, 
for feasting you at his table, and honouring you wiih his 
presence. What shameful ingratitude!" The effect of this 
pointed, personal address, upon those present, was somewhat 
similar to that of which the Evangelist John gives us an ac- 
count in the eighth chapter of his gospel. They "went out 
one by one," and he was "left alone," to ponder on the in- 
gratitude aud inconsistency of some who profess much love 
to the Redeemer, but whose hearts are under the dominion 
of the world, and "go after their covetousness." 

In attending to his flock, Mr. Macurdy did not overlook 
their physical well-being and temporal interests. To pro- 
mote these, he cheerfully contributed, whenever it could be 
done consistently with a due regard to their spiritual welfare. 
Thus, in the year 1818, the small pox made its appearance, 
in that part of the country. The people became greatly 
alarmed, and looked to vaccination, as the only safe antidote 
against its destructive progress. A quack Doctor in the 
neighbourhood, determining to avail himself of the panic 
to promote his own interests, ofTered his services, demand- 
ing, at the same time, a most exorbitant fee. Mr. Macur- 
dy, having heard of this attempt at imposition, immediately 
procured the vaccine matter, and, on the next Sabbath, an- 
nounced to his congregation, that he would vaccinate, with- 



176 THE LIFE OP MACURDY* 

out charge, all who would meet him at the church on the 
following Thursday. A large number of persons attended, 
and were vaccinated, and another appointment was made. 
And, thus, from time to time, he continued his services, until 
nearly two hundred had been vaccinated by him. By these 
gratuitous and benevolent labours, he not only evinced his 
kind feelings towards rhe people of his pastoral charge, but, 
most effectually rebuked imposture and fraud, in a quar- 
ter, where they not rarely make their appearance. 

During that same year, he was called to mourn the loss 
of his excellent partner, who had been a very efficient help- 
er to him in promoting the spiritual interests of Christ's 
kingdom. She died October 26Lh, 1818, in the forty-sev- 
enth year of her age. From the following passage, taken 
from an obituary notice published at the time in the Weekly 
Recorder, it appears, that her latter end was peace. "The 
manner of her death was such, as the uniform tenor of her 
life had afforded good reason to expect. 'The righteous 
hath hope in his death.' In her case, this was verified, in 
a peculiar manner. As death approached, he appeared 
(Stripped of all his terrors, and deprived of his sting, and he 
was regarded by her, as the messenger of that Almighty 
friend and Saviour, of whose presence and support, in the 
hour of extremity, she had a full and most comforting assu- 
rance." 

As she drew near to the grave, she was particularly exer- 
cised about the perishing heathen. "After requesting her 
husband to make, /or her, a considerable donation, to be ex- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 177 

pended exclusively for their benefit, she added, 'The poor 
creatures know not what it is to die in Jesus.'' " 

The only farther memorial of her, which has fallen into 
our hands, is a manuscript letter — dated Jan. 10th, 1819, — 
written by William M'Connell, from Washington College, 
Pennsylvania, where he was pursuing his studies, with a 
view to the gospel ministry. Mr. M'Connell had been an 
inmate of Mr. Macurdy's family, and through his instrumen- 
tality had been hopefully converted and brought into the 
church- He is represented to have been a young man of 
good understanding and devoted piety. After the death of 
Mrs. Macurdy, he addressed this letter of condolence and 
fraternal counsel to the surviving ladies of the Female prayer 
meeting, of which she had been a member. In the sub- 
joined extracts from it, the reader will not fail to perceive, 
at the same time, the excellence of the character which it 
commemorates, and the affectionate and devout spirit of the 
writer, who himself died before he had completed his studies. 
''My dear Mothers and Sisters in Christ : 

"Understanding, that in consequence of your head being 
translated from this to the eternal world, (I mean our com- 
mon and beloved friend in Christ, Mrs. Macurdy,) that some 
of you were likely to be discouraged; and knowing, that you 
formerly had some difficulties to encounter, from the opposi- 
tion, or the unfriendly disposition of individuals towards your 
praying society; and fearing, lest you should be discouraged, 
or that your hearts should sink under these difficulties, I 
would say to you, 'Be not discouraged ; trust in the Lord, 



178 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

and go forward.' .... "My dear Mothers and Sis- 
ters in Christ; if those christian lips, which are now sealed 
in death, were able to address you, it would be to say, 'Fear 
not ! Zion is safe ! Her King is in the midst of her; she 
shall not be moved; he shall help her, and that right early.' 
It would be to say, 'Be not discouraged ; though I am taken 
from you, your God lives ! Meet together in your litde 
praying society, of which I formerly was a member; com- 
fort and pray for your beloved and bereaved pastor; pity, 
weep and pray for perishing sinners of Cross Roads and 
Three Springs, for the poor dying heathen, and for the church 
of God in general. Be knit together in christian love. Pray 
for the spread of the gospel. Pray for the Missionaries of 
Jesus. Pray the Lord of the harvest to send many labour- 
ers, whose hearts shall be deeply influenced by the love and 
fear of God, into tlie harvest. Oh ! pray for all those, whose 
faces are turned towards the gospel ministry.' Think ye, 
my Mothers and Sisters! Would not this be something 
like the pious breathings of our departed friend, were she 
permitted to visit, and address you again? Well: though 
dead, she yet speaketh; though her cold lips have ceased to 
pray with you, though her hand, withered in death, has 
ceased to contribute to benevolent purposes; yet her exam- 
ple, her instructions, and her prayers remain on record. 

"Cherish the memory of her virtues and graces, and strive 
to be followers of her, as she followed Christ. Often, very 
often, she prayed for you in secret, and poured out her soul 
into the bosom of God, when no eye but his was upon her. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 179 

But, she has ceased to pray. Her cares, lier fears, her anx- 
ieties ami her (Jillicuhies have ceased forever, and she now 
rests in the bosom of her God. Vv^oukl you be tliere too? 
Imitate her example. Some of you were called to witness 
her departure. Her end was such as might have been ex- 
pected from her life. Calm and serene, her sun went down 
without a cloud. In her last departing scene, was it not 
like falling asleep in Jesus ? Heaven seemed to beam in 
her countenance, and she appeared above bodily pain, and 
all worldly anxieties and fears. Blessed religion! the solace 
of life, the sweetener of aliliction, the antepast of heaven ! 
Thrice blessed religion! Why; O, why! is it not more 
largely and habitually enjoyed ? AVould you die like her? 
Let your lives be like hers. Be not, then, discouraged. 
Though your head is taken from you, Jesus lives. . 
Who knows but the spirit of our departed friend may hover 
around you, whilst you are met together in youi little pray- 
ing Society ? And, oh, what inexpressible delight would it 
give her, to bear to the courts of heaven, the tidings of some 
new-born soul in Cross Roads, through your prayers. Let 
these considerations animate and encourage your hearts," 

The influence of tlie example and prayers of this pious 
woman upon the heart of young M'Connell, must have been 
very great to have called forth this affectionate testimonial. 
And, the fact of his writing thus, to those who were most 
intimately acquainted with her character, and who must have 
known its truth or falsehood, is itself evidence, that she was 
a woman of acknowLdgeJ piety, and greatly beloved. Her 



180 THE LlS^E OF MACURDY. 

memory is yet precious among the oMer members of the 
churches of Cross Roads and Three Springs. 

After some time, Mr Macurdy married again. His se- 
cond wife was Mrs. Sarah Cohvell, relict of Robert Colwell, 
and daughter of Capt. Oliver Brown, of Western Virginia. 
She was a woman of equally excellent spirit with his first 
wife, and by her prayers and labours, did much to promote 
the cause of religion within the circle of her influence. She 
still survives, respected and beloved by all who know her, 
for her unaffected piety, and truly consistent and christian 
deportment. By her he had two children, Sarah and Elisha. 
These were his only children, his first wife having left no 
issue. Sarah is still living, the respected wife of the Rev. 
Samuel Fulton, pastor of the Fourth Presbyterian church of 
Pittsburgh. Elisha, as already stated, died in infancy, dur- 
ing the absence of his father at Maumee, in the fall of 1823.* 

After his resignation of the congregation of Three Springs, 
and the transfer of the Indian Mission to another Society, 
his field of labour was less extensive, and he was enabled 
to give much more of his time and attention to his remaining 
charge at Cross Roads. And, with a view to engage the 
people to a more direct and solemn attention to the con- 
cerns of their souls, he visited from house to house, and con- 

* Mrs. M.'icurdy had a number of children by her first husband, Mr. 
Colwell. The following ministers were married to her daughters, viz: 
The Rev. SamuelM'Farren, D. D. of the Presbytery of Blairsville ; the 
Rev. William M- Combs, of the Presbytery of New Lisbon; the Rev. Ro- 
bert Fulton, deceased, late of the Presbytery of Richland, and the Rev. 
Martin V. Schoonmaker, of the Reformed Protestant Dutch Church. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 181 

ferred personally with the members -of each family about 
their eternal interests. Nor was he left to labour in vain. 
For a time, indeed, he was permitted to "go forth weeping, 
bearing precious seed ;" but, in due season, he had the privi- 
lege to "come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with 
him." In the fall of the year 1827, the Lord appeared to 
revive his work. \i the close of divine service on the Mon- 
day immediately following the administration of the Lord's 
Supper, there was an unusual manifestation of the presence 
of God, in the midst of the assembly. The whole congre- 
gation were melted down, and wept together, under the in- 
fluence of deep and powerful feeling. The Spirit of God 
seemed to have taken strong hold upon their consciences, and 
many were "pricked in their hearts," and led to cry out, 
"what shall we do to be saved ?" The number of anxious 
inquirers was between fifty and a hundred. These, with 
few exceptions, Avere young persons. God, distinguished 
them, on this occasion, as the special objects of his opera- 
tions. In the month of January following, when the Lord's 
Supper was administered at Cross Roads, fifty-one of these 
were added to the church. But, this was only the beginning 
of good things. The work continued with power, until, 
within the course of the year, upwards of one hundred were 
brought into visible fellowship with the people of God. 

The effect of this revival upon the state of the church, 
was of the most salutary kind. And, for the return of such 
seasons, Mr. Macurdy constantly pr;iyed and laboured, es- 
teeming them the most precious seasons in the history of 
15 



182 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

his ministry. He had seen the heavenly influence of the 
Spirit, at such times, removing vicious elements from the 
minds of God's people, clearing and purifying their moral 
vision, and bringing sinners to Christ. He had observed 
sectarian views and prejudices giving way, before the ex- 
panding power of God's reviving grace, and sometimes, 
swallowed up in the more absorbing interests of the soul, 
and of eternity. And, his firm conviction was, that exten- 
sive and powerful revivals of religion, would go far towards 
putting an end to controversy about unessential points, and 
introducing union and harmony among the people of God. 
Hence, during the progress of a newspaper controversy, some 
years ago, on the subject of psalmody, he remarked to the 
author, that if a revival of religion were to take place, that 
controversy would be thrown into the back ground, and mat- 
ters of more vital interest would take its place. Such a re- 
sult, he said, he had once witnessed, in the case of a man in 
his congregation, who had been a stubborn and unyielding 
advocate for the exclusive use of Rouse's version of the 
psalms, in the public worship of God. He would sing no 
other version himself, and those who used that of Watts, he 
condemned in unsparing terms. On that subject, he gave 
the church no little trouble, as he made it the absorbing ques- 
tion, and never thought himself so fully in the line of his 
duty, as when he was agitating it. Not very long after a 
rather petulant controversy with Mr. Macurdy, on the sub- 
ject, it pleased God to visit the church, with a powerful re- 
vival of religion. The man's heart was touched. He re- 



THE LIFE OF MACITRDY. 183 

ceived a new baptism from the Holy Ghost. And, when, 
on the Saturday preceding the Communion, one of Watt's 
hyrnns was announced, he came forward, and taking his sta- 
tion in front of the speaker's tent, stood, and joined in sing- 
ing it, with great vehemence and animation.' Upon be- 
ing interrogated afterwards, as to the reasons of his conduct, 
he said, he wished the whole church to see that he was go- 
ing to trouble them no longer, about a matter which was not 
essential to salvation, and to which he had, heretofore, given 
undue prominence. His scruples were now all gone. And, 
to the song of the angelic choir, 

" Wortliy the Lamb that died," they cry, 
"To be exalted thus ;" 

he no longer hesitated to respond, in language such as the 
sweet singer of Israel himself, now in glory sings, — 

" Worthy the Lamb," our lips reply, 
*'For he was slain for us." 

Mr. Macurdy was ever ready to embrace opportunities, 
when presented, of being present in the midst of revivals of 
religion, where the Spirit of God was poured out. By par- 
ticipating in such scenes, he had often felt his soul refreshed, 
and his heart in a better state of preparation for preaching 
the gospel successfully to his fellow sinners. On a certain 
occasion, he received a letter from the Rev. Samuel Tait, in- 
forming him that a revival of religion had commenced in his 
church, and inviting him to go and give him some assistance. 
He accordingly went, accompanied by the Rev. Dr. Herron 



184 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

of Pittsburgh, with whom he had met at Synod, and who, at 
his request, had agreed to accompany him. After labouring 
with Mr. Tait for some time, and having had their hearts 
warmed and quickened by the reviving influences of di- 
vine grace, they returned home, travelling by different 
routes, and preaching in the various congregations through 
which they passed. On the next Sabbath after his return to 
Pittsburgh, Dr. Herron preached to his own congregation. 
The word was accompanied with the power of the Holy 
Ghost, and there were manifestations among the people of a 
very deep and solemn concern about their souls. Feeling 
his need of some ministerial aid, his mind immediately re- 
curred to Mr. Macurdy, and he wrote to him, advising him 
of ihe state of things in his congregation, and urging him to 
come to his assistance. By the return of the mail, he re- 
ceived an answer from Mr. Macuidy, stating that on the 
same Lord's day, God had visited his people — that a gra- 
cious work had made its appearance among them, and that 
his labours were needed at home. This striking coincidence 
in the effusions of God's Spirit upon the pastoral charges of 
these brethren, in immediate connection with their visit to 
Mr. Tait's, made a deep impression on their minds, and in- 
creased their estimate of the value of revival influence in re- 
lation to ministerial efficiency. 

After the removal of Dr. Jennings to Nashville, Tennes- 
see, the congregation of Washington, Pennsylvania, where 
he had been previously settled, was, for some time, vacant, 
and was dependent on the Presbytery for supplies. Mr. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 185 

Macurdy was appointed to supply them, on a certain Sabbath , 
in the latter part of the winter, subsequent to the election of 
General Jackson to the Presidency of the United States. On 
the preceding evening, the General and his suit, who were 
on their way to the seat of government, arrived in Washing- 
ton, where they intended to spend the Sabbath. When Mr. 
Macurdy heard, on Sabbath morning, that they were in town, 
and were expected to attend worship in the Presbyterian 
church, he seemed somewhat agitated. At the hour appoint- 
ed, however, he entered the pulpit. General Jackson and 
his suit, embracing a number of distinguished and intelligent 
strangers, were present, and occupied pews immediately in 
front of the speaker. Under these new and unexpected cir- 
cumstances, his friends felt some anxiety, lest, through em- 
barrassment, he might fail to acquit himself, with his accus- 
tomed readiness. Their apprehensions, however, were, in 
a great measure allayed, by the freedom, solemnity and copi- 
ousness of the introductory prayer. It was evident to all 
who had any experience in the things of religion, that, in 
his sense of the Divine presence, and his communion with 
God, he had risen far above the fear of man. In this con- 
viction, they were fully confirmed, soon after he had entered 
upon his discourse. His text was, Luke 13. 24, "Strive to 
enter in at the strait gate ; for many, I say unto you, will 
seek to enter in, and shall not be able." In the discussion 
of his subject, he appeared perfectly at ease ; and in the dis- 
tinctness, fervency and force, with which he brought it to 

bear upon the consciences and hearts of his hearers, he even 
15* 



186 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

surpassed himself. The President elect, and his retinue, 
evinced their deep interest in the discourse, by the most 
fixed and profound attention, and some of them spoke of it 
afterwards as one of the best and most profitable sermons, 
which they had ever heard. 

Although advancing years began to leave their traces on 
him, he still laboured with great diligence, according to his 
ability, for the promotion of the spiritual interests of his 
flock. A i^ew years before he resigned his pastoral charge, 
the author assisted him, on a sacramental occasion. The 
vigour and animation, with which he conducted the services, 
are well remembered. He had appointed a meeting for 
prayer, at sun-rise, every morning, at the church, during the 
sacramental season. Although the weather was cold, and 
the church some distance from his house, he was always 
among the first at the meeting. At the dawn of day, he was 
out of his bed, and having called us all up, led the way, on 
foot, to the church. And, in the mingled tenderness and 
pungency of his exhortations, on these occasions, none could 
fail to observe the deep concern which he felt for the spirit- 
ual welfare of those whom God had intrusted to his care. 

In the fall of the year 1835, he resigned his pastoral 
charge. To this he was induced by a growing sense of the 
infirmities of advancing age, and of his inability to discharge 
with advantage to the people, the duties of the pastoral oflice. 
In speaking on this subject afterwards to the writer, he re- 
marked, that he had often witnessed the evil effects of aged 
ministers, who were worn out in the service, retaining their 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 187 

connection with their flocks, as pastors, when they were no 
longer able efficiently to discharge the obligations arising out 
of that relation. This he looked upon as a mistake, and 
had determined to avoid it, by opening the way for his peo- 
ple to secure a man who would be able to give them such an 
amount of labour as their spiritual interests demanded. In 
this matter, he, no doubt, acted wisely. Churches some- 
times suffer, in their most vital concerns, by the incumbency 
of superannuated ministers. It ought, however, to be re- 
marked, that, in such cases, the chief blame most frequently 
rests upon the churches. They have contributed to the past 
support of their pastors, in so stinted a measure, that they 
have not been able to lay up any thing for declining age. 
Hence, stern necessity often obliges them to retain their sit- 
uation, that they may be preserved from a state of absolute 
want. In such cases, the churches are obviously in the 
fault, and they ought to repair their past error by making 
provision for the future support of those who have spent 
their lives and strength in their service. And, where 
churches refuse to do this, the pastors are not to blame for 
retaining their position. For it is sheer injustice, on the 
part of a church, after having enjoyed the prime and vigour 
of a minister's life for a bare support, to cast him off in ad- 
vanced age, and leave him to endure all the hardships of 
poverty. On this whole subject of ministerial support 
many churches have a fearful account to settle. In the case 
of Mr. Macurdy, his action was not liable to control from 
circumstances of this kind. It is true, that his salary was 



188 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

very small. But, in the early part of his ministry, he had 
secured a farm, at a low rate, from the proceeds of which 
he derived the means of living, independently of his congre- 
gation. This enabled him to follow the convictions of his 
mind, unfettered by necessity, and to pursue that course 
which appeared to him most in accordance with the demands 
of duty, and the interests of the church. 

The congregation, not being prepared to call another pas- 
tor immediately, invited him to supply them statedly until the 
next Spring. This invitation he accepted, and continued to 
preach to them through the winter, as his strength enabled 
him. In the Spring of 1836, he removed to the City of Al- 
legheny, where he resided to the time of his death. Various 
considerations, no doubt, entered into the reasons of his re- 
moval to Allegheny. But, whatever may have been the re- 
lative influence, which they severally exerted upon his mind, 
the result was favourable, as affording him greater opportuni- 
ties of usefulness than he could have had in the place of his 
former residence. In his new situation, he found places 
open, where he could usefully spend the remainder of his 
strength in the service of his Redeemer. In the village of 
Manchester, in tJie immediate vicinity of the city, where 
there was a rapidly increasing population, a public school 
house had been erected, in which the different religious de- 
nominations were permitted to hold their assemblies for wor- 
ship. There, he occasionally preached, and was active in 
securing the services of others. He, also, preached statedly 
for some time at "Jones' School house," some distance be- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 189 

low Manchester. He thus assisted in drawing together the 
different Presbyterian families in the neighbourhood, and pre- 
paring the way for the organization of a respectable church 
in the town of Manchester. 

For some time, also, before his strength entirely failed him, 
he was in the habit of visiting the Western Penitentiary, and 
conversing personally with the unfortunate inmates of that 
institution in reference to their souls. In this self-denying 
service, he became very deeply interested, and his labours 
appeared to be blessed for the spiritual benefit of several of 
the prisoners. When any of them were brought under con- 
viction, or evinced any concern about their souls, his sym- 
pathies became veiy strongly excited. And, those who had 
familiar intercourse with him, at that time, cannot fail to re- 
collect the animation and hope, which lighted up his coun- 
tenance, when he spoke, or heard of the probable conversion 
of any of these men to God. 

While engaged in these visits of mercy, his infirmities in- 
creased upon him very rapidly. His eyesight became serious- 
ly impaired, and between the want of vision, and the defect 
of bodily strength, he was constrained to relinquish those la- 
bours of love, which had been to him a sourcf^ of much 
enjoyment. But, notwithstanding his growing infirmities, 
and the decay of his bodily powers, he continued to enjoy a 
tolerable measure of heahh. He was able to attend church 
pretty constantly, and occasionally to ride out in a carriage 
to visit his most intimate friends. But, he was no longer 
able to attend the judicatories of the church, where he had 



100 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

been accustomed to meet, and hold sweet intercourse with 
his ministerial brethren. This, he felt to be a great priva- 
tion, although he cheerfully acquiesced in the disposing will 
of God. 

In the fall of the year 1842, a Convention of Ministers and 
Ruling Elders, belonging to the Synods of Pittsburgh, Ohio, 
and Wheeling, met in Pittsburgh, for conference and prayer, 
in reference to the state of the church, especially, with a 
view to seek the outpouring of the Spirit of God. In this 
meeting, he took a very deep interest, though unable to par- 
ticipate in their proceedings. During their sessions, which 
were held in the First Presbyterian Church, he paid them a 
visit. This was the last public interview with his ministe- 
rial brethren, which he was ever permitted to enjoy on earth. 
The following record of it, as found in the minutes of the 
Convention, will be interesting to the reader. 

"The Rev. Elisha Macurdy, an aged father, well known 
throughout the Western churches, now almost blind and 
trembling with age, and who had been brought to the meet- 
ing, in a carriage, this morning, arose to take his farewell of 
his brethren. The scene was deeply affecting. With 
streaming eyes and faltering voice, he addressed his brethren, 
in substance, as follows : 

' My dear brethren, I am not able to say much. There 
is a smgle point, to which I shall confine myself. It is one 
v^^ith which the prosperity of the church is connected. It is 
the piety of the church. Forty years ago, the piety of the 
church was of a most active and vigilant kind. Those who 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 191 

were leaders, made it a business, on all favourable opportu- 
nities, to converse with those who were yet out of the church. 
This was not confined to the pastors, but was attended to 
particularly by the Elders. I have in my mind one, who, 
when brought into the church, could not read the Bible:* 
yet that man did more for the cause of Christ, than many 
ministers. He lay, I think, at the foundation of the great 
revival, which took place forty years ago. He addressed 
himself to sinners, on all occasions. He was a wrestling 
Jacob, who poured out his soul to God. A hundred times, 
have I knelt with him in a solitary thicket, and implored 
God to pour out his Spirit upon the whole church. My 
meaning, then, is, that Elders and others should do as this 
man did, if they would have God to pour out his Spirit. 
Brethren, wake up ! Talk to sinners kindly, aftectionately, 
frequently, and God will pour out his Spirit. I have no 
doubt, but God is ready to pour out his Spirit, if we will do 
our duty. 

'I have now done. This is my last farewell. Farewell, 
brethren! and may God be with you. For myself, I have 
doubts, and fears, and hopes, but my trust is in the God of 
sovereign mercy, who will not cast me off. Finally, breth- 
ren, farewell ! Live in peace, and may tiie God of love and 
peace be with you. Amen.' 

"The assembly was melted into tears, while this venera- 
ble servant of God retired, to meet them no more on earth." 

* Philip Jackson. 



i02 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

After this, he rarely went out of his own house. His last 
attendance at church was on a communion Sabbath, in the 
month of January, 1813. On that clay, he sat down, for ihe 
last time, with the members of the First Presbyterian church 
of Allegheny city,"^ at the table of the Lord, and united with 
them, in commemorating the Saviour's death. When the 
communion service was over, at the invitation of the pastor 
— the Rev. Dr. Swift — he briefly and affectionately addres- 
sed the members of the church. This was the last public 
address which he ever delivered, and foiraed a suitable close 
to a life of active service in the church of God, for upwards 
of forty years. 

But, although his public labours were at an end, he exert- 
ed himself privately, as he had opportunity, to advance the 
prosperity of the Redeemer's kingdom. AVhile confined to 

* The following extract from the Records of the Presbytery of Erie, 
bearing date April 8th, 1812, will show what was the state of the Pres- 
byterian church in Allegheny, and of our goodly City itself, thirty-five 
years ago. 

"An indigent and needy neighbourhood situate on the Allegheny oppo- 
site Pittsburgh, having applied to the Rev. Messrs. Herron and Hunt of 
the Redstone Presbytery, and the Rev. Robert Patterson of Erie Presby- 
tery, for supplies of preaching from them, it was deemed proper for them 
to lay the case before the Presbytery of Erie for consideration. 

^'Resolved, That they, with discretion, attend to the application." 

Such is the extract. In view of it, we cannot withhold the remark, that 
a great change has passed over this "indigent and needy neighbourhood," 
since that time. It is now the site of a flourishing city, containing, as is 
supposed, nearly twenty thousand inhabitants ; more than twenty churches 
— two Theological Seminaries — an Orphan Asylum — various public and 
select Schools — a number of large cotton factories and other improve- 
ments indicating the presence of a pious, industrious and enterprising 
population. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 193 

his room, feeble, almost blinil, anil often suffering severely 
from an asthmalie affection, bis mind was mnch occupied 
with the concerns of the church. He laid plans for her good, 
and made suggestions in relation to whatever he supposed 
would contribute effectually to her welfare. When young 
persons, who were not pious, visited him, he rarely suffered 
them to retire, without saying a word to them, in regard to 
their eternal interests. Indeed, during his long confinement, 
his chief enjoyment, next to communion with God, arose 
Irom conversation with his friends and neighbours, on the 
great subject of religion. Those who were in the habit of 
visiting him, can testify to the earnestness and animation, with 
which he conversed on all the various topics connected with 
his own salvation, and that of odiers, or with the enlaro-e- 
ment and prosperity of Christ's kingdom, and the glory of 
God. And, nothing appeared to give him greater joy, than 
to hear of the progress of the cause of genuine Christianity 
and of multitudes being added to the church of such as should 
be saved. 

Shortly before he was entirely confined to his house, he 
sought an interview wilh a professional gentleman of high 
standing — an old acquaintance — who, like himself, was bend- 
ing under the weight of many years, but who, as he feared, 
had neglected to make preparation for eternity. At this in- 
terview, he talked freely with him about his soul — its im- 
mortal destiny, and the necessity of an interest in the blood 
of Christ, in order to salvation. The frankness with which 

the gendeman admitted his past neglect of religion, and th^ 
IG 



194 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

serious tlioughtfulness which he manifested, encouraged the 
hope, on the part of Mr. Macurdy, that with farther efforts, 
he might be induced to seek an interest in the Saviour. His 
purpose, however, to visit him again, was frustrated by his 
rapidly increasing infirmities, which disabled him from going 
abroad. But, he did not forget the work which he had be- 
gun, but embraced an early opportunity to engage one of his 
ministerial brethren to go and converse with his friend, that, 
if possible, he might be awakened to a sense of his danger, 
and persuaded to lay hold of Christ for eternal life. What 
have been, or may be, the results of these efforts, eternity 
alone will disclose. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY, 195 



CHAPTER VIII 



His confinement to his House — Various conversations with the author 
from January 25, 1843, to July 22, 1845 — His last words— His death- 
Funeral. 



Aft^r Mr. Macurdy became unable to go abroad, and 
was contined to his room, the author was in the habit of 
payinff him frequent visits. During these interviews he 
conferred very freely on the subject of his own personal ex- 
perience and the dealings of God with him under his afflic- 
tions. These were the topics which seemed to occupy most 
of his thoughts. While his remarks were fresh in the wri- 
ter's mind, he was in the habit of noting them down, retain- 
ing, as far as possible, his language and forms of expression. 
And, it is believed, that a more acceptable service cannot be 
rendered to the reader, than to give him this record of the 
workings of the mind of this afflicted christian minister, du- 
ring his protracted confinement. This, it is proposed to do, 
giving the date of each conversation as it occurred. If an 
apology be necessary for introducing himself so frequently, 
in connection with these conversations, the author has only 
to say, that he found this to be unavoidable, without impair- 



196 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

ing, ill many cases, the meaning and force of remarks, which 
it was his object to preserve. 

It may be proper to premise, that these conversations were 
entirely unrestrained. The remarks were made with the 
freedom of the most confiding friendship, and without any 
knowledge, on tlie part of Mr. Macurdy, that they would 
ever be known beyond the walls of his chamber. They 
may, therefore, be considered as faithfully disclosing the true 
state of his mind, and as furnishing safe data, on which to 
form an accurate judgment of the practical value of true re- 
ligion, in the midst of severe atiliction, and at the approach, 
and in tlie hour of death. 

January 25. 1843. I visited Mr. Macurdy. Found him 
confined to his room, able to walk but very little. In con- 
versation with him respecting his spiritual condition, he said 
he felt totallv helpless, and as dependent as a child. No 
heathen, nor infant could be more entirely helpless than he 
felt himself to be. 

He was not free from perplexity. His great difhculty 
was, not about the full assurance of faith, but, the full assu- 
rance of hope, or of his personal interest in Christ. The 
gospel plan of salvation was before his mind, with great 
clearness ; he saw and approved it, in all its parts ; he would 
not alter any part of it, if he could ; but, sometimes, he had 
fears of his interest in ii. If he were a child of God, he 
sometimes thought he would be more devout and spiritual. 
I reminded him of what Paul said, "But I see another law 
in my members warrhig against the law of my mind, and 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 197 

bringing me into captivity to the law of sin, whicli is in my 
members." "For the flesh lusteth against the spirit, and the 
spirit against the flesh : and these are contrary, the one to 
the other ; so that ye cannot do the things that ye w ould." 
The recollection of these thhigs, he said, afl"orded him some 
relief in his perplexities. His feelings were somewhat like 
those of Dr. M'Millan. ]ii a conversation which he had 
with him shortly before his death, the Doctor said he had 
many doubts and fears. Upon his being reminded of the 
various manifestations of God's love to him, in blessing his 
labours, and making his influence, in the cause of Christ, to 
be felt over the whole Western country, he replied, "1 know 
it; but after all, I am a beast."* Mr. Macurdy said, he of- 
ten felt very much in the same way. Sometimes, indeed, 
he had comfort, and felt that he had some good evidence of 
the favour of God to his soul. 

His liistory, he said, was a wonderful one. God had 
kept him all his life, from dishonouring him, by his conduct 
— had supported him under many difficulties — had provided 
for him, and had made him, to some extent, useful. Still he 
was sometimes afraid that he would leave him. If he lived 
much longer, and were visited with heavy afflictions and 
suffering, he feared that he might be left to do something 

* The Psalmist says, <'I was as a beast before thee." Ps. 73: 22. And 
Agur says, "Surely, I am more brutish than any man." Prov. 30:2. 
George Archibald Lundie, in his journal refers to the reading of the above 
verse, from the 73d psaljn, and says, ''This verse struck me a good deal, 
as suiting my case." — Miss, life in Samoa, p. 161. How much alike is 
the experience of God's people in different ages ! 
16* 



198 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

which would dishonour God. "I would sooner die, than 
DO THIS !" he exclaimed, with emphasis, and gave vent to 
his feelings in a flood of tears. 

Jan. 28. Upon inquiry being made about the state of his 
mind, he said, he was comfortable. He had clear views of 
the gospel plan, and had not the smallest doubt of its truth. 
He had an habitual persuasion of his interest in Christ. He 
found himself clinging to him, and sometimes his hope of a 
personal interest in him, amounted to an assurance, but, this 
was not always the case. There had been seasons, in his 
past experience, when he had no doubt of his union to Christ. 
Sometimes, it was so now. For fifty years, he had been 
ciingirifij to the Saviour, and he could say, that generally he 
had a good hope, through grace, of his interest in his salva- 
tion. 

He entered into an explanation of the distinction between 
the assurance of understanding, the assurance of faith, and 
the assurance of hope. The first two, he had ; the last, he 
had sometimes, but not always. 

February 15. He said he had enjoyed a comfortable day 
in meditating upon the perfections of God, and his goodness 
to him. For some time past, he had been a good deal wor- 
ried about the want of a firll assurance of his personal inter- 
est in Christ. On that point, he was less troubled now, and 
enjoyed more comfort. 

March 15. Found him more reduced in bodily strength. 
In reply to my inquiry respecting the state of his mind, he 
said it was pretty clear. "I have no ecstacy, said he, but am 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 199 

enabled to test with comfortable hope on the Rock, Christ — 
to keep fast hold of him, — and trust that I shall be enabled 
to do so, to the end." He desired me to pray for him, that 
he might die safely. He wished to die trusting in Christ. 

iMarch 20. He said, that, within the last few years, he 
had gone over his whole history, at least fifty times, and that 
he was not able to put his finger upon a spot which was 
entirely fiee from sin. 

March 28. In the course of our conversation, he told me 
that he had a striking dream last night. He thought he was 
in conversation with some celestial being, or angel, and that 
he had expressed a desire to be made more fully acquainted 
with the plan of redemption. The angel told him, he could 
give him some additional light on that subject. Accordingly, 
he led him to a place, where he was favoured with most glo- 
rious views, far more clear and full than he had ever enjoyed 
before. During this time, he felt very happy, and expressed 
a desire to see still more of this glory. The angel informed 
him, that this v.'as all he could see now, and having said this, 
he vanished from his view, and all thmgs appeared as they 
had done before. 

April 21. Upon entering his room, I asked him how he 
was? He replied with some emphasis, "Better! decidedly 
better!" and then, after a pause, added, '•! feel my strength 
giving way, and see more clearly, that the time of my disso- 
lution is drawing near. I think I will soon be over Jordan; 
and this is the reason I say, 'I am better.'" 

April 23. Received a message, that he was considerably 



200 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

worse and went to see him. On my arrival, I asked him, 
how he was getting along? "Oh ! I am getting along well," 
he replied : "I will soon be over Jordan. I wanted to see 
you, before I got off. I wanted to say some things to you, 
before I go. I wish you to preach on the following text. 
"Say to them, that are of a fearful heart, Be strong, fear not 
behold your God will come with vengeance, even God with 
a recompense; he will come and save you." Is. 35: 4. 
He said, he had preached on this text, in his own way, and 
found it a delightlid one. He hoped I would write a sermon 
on it, and preach it. 

He spoke of his sufferings through the last night, as great; 
but the Lord had sustained him, and had not suffered him to 
sink. I asked liim, if he felt any fear of death, when in 
those seasons of weakness, it appeared to be near. He said 
he felt that all was safe, although he had some conflicts. 
Satan tried to worry him sometimes ; but his confidence was 
in Christ. His attainments, he felt, were very low. His 
great desire was, that hi.-s name might be found written 
among the followers of the Saviour — "in some humble place 
beneath his Lord, the Lamb." He wished to sit at the feet 
of Jesus. 

April 24. He told me that he had had a severe attack 
during the afternoon, and that he had felt more like dying, 
than he had ever done before. There seemed to be a giving 
way of all his powers. But, in this crisis, he said, he had 
fixed his mind upon God. in holy meditation, contemplating 
him as Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. His views of him 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 201 

were very clear. He seemed to have him before his mind, 
with great distinctness, nnd he appeared to him most glori- 
ous. His feelings were delightful, and his experience almost 
extatic. In this state, he felt a strong desire to die. Al- 
though he could not say that his assurance was absolute, he 
had no fear of the result, and felt heartily willing to try the 
realities of the eternal world and go to Christ. "And, now," 
said he, "I am holding on to Christ, and there 1 hang." 

He remarked tliat christians did not study the Scriptures 
sufficiently. If he had his life to live over again, he would 
study them more. Since his confinement, he had found 
them to be a source of great comfort to him, and he had dis- 
coveries of their depth and beauty, which he never had be- 
fore. 

Late in the evening, I called again. Found him more 
free from pain, and less prostrated. He said, if spared, he 
would like to talk over with me the dealings of God with his 
soul during the last six months, which he had been in the 
furnace of affliction. God had showed him more of the ope- 
rations of his providence, the riches of his grace, and the 
greatness of his power, during this period of alliiction than 
he had ever done before.* These things he would like to 
tell me. They might be of use, in aiding some poor pilgrim 
on^his way to heaven. 

* This accords with the experience of the Rev. Andrew Rivet, a cele- 
brated French Divine, who said, that he had learned more true Theol- 
ogy, in ten days sickness, than in the fifty years of his life which had 
preceded. 



202 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

April 25. Found him very feeble, He referred to his 
great weakness. I repeated the words of Christ to Paul. 
'•My grace is sufficient for thee ; me strength is made per- 
fect in weakness." 

He immediately added, "My flesh and my heart faileth : 
but God is the strength of my heart, and my portion forever." 

Returned in the afternoon, and lound him very sick. He 
said, that no one returned, from the eternal world, to teach 
us, from his experience, what death was. The Lord Je- 
sus, was his only hope, in the prospect of his dissolution, 
and he felt a confidence that he would not leave him. 

Late in the evening, I called again. He was still weak. 
He referred to the continuance of his afflictions ; but, re- 
marked, that if he got to heaven, after all, they would be 
looked upon as small matters. He was reminded, that they 
were not to be compared with the glory that would follow ; 
and besides, that they were, probably, "working for him a 
far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory." He said, 
he thought he had discovered the manner in which they ef- 
fected this. And, he went on to show, how they shut the 
christian up to exercises of faith, cutting him off from all 
earthly sources of dependence, and leading him to draw up- 
on God, for all that grace which was necessary to mature 
him for heaven. 

He spoke of the sovereign purposes of God as a ground 
of consolation, and repeated with much apparent satisfaction, 
the following verses from one of Dr. Watts hymns : 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 203 

" His providence unfolds the book,* 

And makes his counsels shine ; 
Each opening leaf and every stroke 

Fulfils some deep design. 

Here, he exalts neglected worms. 

To sceptres and a crown ; 
And, there the following page he turns, 

And treads the monarch down. 

Not Gabriel asks the reason why, 

Nor God the reason gives ; 
Nor dares the favourite angel pry, 

Between the folded leaves. 

In thy fair book of life and grace. 

Oh, may I find my name ; 
Recorded in some humble place. 

Beneath my Lord — the Lamb." 

Speaking of the beauty and glory of the church, also, he 
repeated the greater part of the 210th Hymn in Dobell's col- 
lection. 

*'Say who is this that looks abroad," &c. 

April 26. He spoke of himself as a sinner saved by 
grace — all was of grace. His mind was comfortable. 

April 28. When entering, I asked him how he was ? 
He replied, "I am going home!" I remarked, it was the 
best home — to be "absent from the body, and present with 
the Lord." "O, yes !" said he, "to see Jesus on his throne 
of grace, in all his glory and excellence, is mercy indeed !" 
He dwelt on this point with emphasis, and remarked that 
he hoped God had taught him something during his sickness 

* Of God's purposes. 



204 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

— that he had clearer views of God, as a God of infinite per- 
fection and glory than he ever had ; especially, he had a ful- 
ler discovery of him, as his reconciled Father in Christ. 

He said, there was one thing, which God had not cleared 
up to him. He had still some painful fears, that he would 
be left to speak unadvisedly, and thus dishonour God. Of 
these fears, he could not divest himself. Why God did not 
remove them, he could not tell. It was suggested to him, 
that probably God intended, by this very means, to preserve 
him from the evil, wiiich he dreaded. He said "perhaps so" 
— and expressed a desire to be remembered at a throne of 
grace. 

April 29. Found him very weak. To an inquiry which 
I made, he replied, "I see Jesus !" It was remarked, that 
he was "the chiefest among ten thousand and altogether 
lovely." "0, yes," said he, "most glorious!" He spoke 
of the very clear and distinct views which he had of Christ, 
as the incarnate Son of God. "Look at this," said he, 'God 
so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son.' 
He gave him to be 'made of a woman, made under the law, 
to redeem them that were under the huv, that we might re- 
ceive the adoption of Sons.' Observe," said he, stretch- 
ing out his hand with a waving motion, "how it widens and 
extends, until it encloses us, as the adopted sons of God!" 
Again, he said, he had clear views of "the Rock" on which 
the church was built. 

Being asked, whether he now saw more of the truth and 
excellence of that system of doctrines, which he had so long 



THE LIFE OF MACt'RDY. 205 

preached? He replied with emphasis, "Much more! much 
more! much more!" adding, that the same Jesus whom he 
had preached, was all his salvation, and all his desire. 

In looking back over his past life, and carefully examining 
all that he had done, he was constrained to say, that he looked 
upon all his own righteousness, as rotten and filthy rags be- 
fore God. But, the righteousness of Christ was perfect, and 
there he built his hopes for eternity. He was a most glori- 
ous Saviour. To an inquiry, whether he could say with the 
spouse, "My beloved is mine, and I am his." He replied, 
that he hoped he could: that although he had not a full as- 
surance, he had no fears of death, but had a strong, and, he 
hoped, a well-grounded faith in the Saviour. 

He expressed a hope, that I would not forget the text he 
had given me, "Say to them that are of a fearful heart," &c. 
"Perhaps," said, he, "I am too fond of that text : there may 
be some sinful vanity connected with it in my mind." He 
then gave me an account of the manner in which his mind 
was first drawn to it, and of the particulars connected with 
liis first effort to preach from it, as stated on pages fifty- 
eight and fifty-nine of this memoir. "These things," said 
he, "are what make me afraid, that there may be some lurk- 
ing, sinful vanity connected with this text in my mind." 

He referred to his having been called to the ministry. He 
said, it was wonderful grace, that such a poor, feeble instru- 
ment as he was, should have been called to proclaim the un- 
searchable riches of God's grace ; especially, when he com- 
pared himself with such men as Edwards, Payson, and others. 
17 



206 THE LIFE OF MACtRDYc 

During the conversation, he seemed to labour for want of 
breath. It was suggested to him, that he w^as, perhaps, talk- 
ing too much — it might do him injury. "It may be so," he 
replied, "but, oh, I think, it cannot hurt me to talk about Je- 
sus." This was the subject, that filled his mind, and it 
seemed to be painful to him, not to be allowed to speak of 
the Saviour. 

April 30. I saw him this afternoon. He had slept none 
the preceding night, and very little to-day. He had suffered 
much during the forenoon. A hope having been expressed 
that, in the midst of his weakness, he could still lean upon 
Jesus ; he replied, that he could lean upon him and his atone- 
ment, and he thought he had still clearer views of the whole 
gospel plan — -"all is right." 

May 1. His mind was slightly excited, but regular and 
sound. In contemplating Christ, he said, he had some very 
delightful views. He spoke, at length, of his afflictions, and 
of the benefit which, he hoped, he had received from them. 

May 3. His mind, he said, was pretty comfortable, and 
he had a good hope, through grace. 

May 6. He said, he had been meditating on the promi- 
ses, which were given to believers in Christ. His view of 
the subject was, that the Father proposed the plan of re- 
demption to the Son ; that the Son accepted the plan, and 
performed the condition, thus securing for his people, the 
blessings which the Father had promised. To those who 
accepted Christ, and became united to him by faith, these 
blessings were sure, on the ground of the promise. In Christ, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 207 

the promises were all "yea and amen." Hence, the believer 
might put in his humble claim to the blessings promised. 
The veracity and faithfulness of C4od were pledged to bestow 
them, through Christ, and his atonement. 

May 7. Sabbath evening. He was very weak. He re- 
marked, that he had been meditating on the great mass of 
mind, which was under the dominion of sin, and which no- 
thing but the power of God could move. What God intend- 
ed to do, in reference to it, he could not tell. 

He inquired, if any inroads had been made to-day on the 
territories of the great adversary? He was told that two 
persons were added to a neighbouring church. He replied, 
-That is well." 

He spoke of "hope," as the anchor of the soul ; but, re- 
marked, that a good place, in which to cast the anchor, was as 
important as a good anchor. The christian's place of an- 
chorage was Jesus, who had entered within the veil. There, 
he hoped he had cast his anchor. He expressed a strong 
conviction, that he could not continue here much longer. 

May 8. He said, he was approaching nearer to Jordan. 
He was asked, how it appeared to him, as he drew near to 
it? He replied, that he had been contemplating the subject 
of tlealh so long, that it had no terrors for him. He hoped 
he was prepared to meet it. 

May 9. Found him very weak. He spoke with great 
difficulty. He said, he had experienced a painful conflict 
this morning. He had been left to indulge some distressing 
fears. His mind, however, was now calm. I spoke to him 



208 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

of the faithfulness of God to his promises; and reminded hiitt 
that he who had hegun a good work in him, would perform 
it until the day of Jesus Christ. If he trusted in the promi- 
ses of God, and, with holy desire, sought his continued grace, 
he would not he forsaken. "Holy desire !" he repeated, 
with emphasis, "Yes! that is the thing! and I trust, I do 
thus desire to cling to Christ." 

May 16. Ilis health somewhat improved. His mind 
was calm and peaceful, and his hope steadfast, for which he 
said, he felt very thankful. 

May 18. Wlien inquiry was made, if he were belter, he 
said that he and others probably attached different meanings 
to the word "better." When he said he was better, he 
meant, that he was approaching nearer to Jordan, and to his 
tinal home. In this sense, he felt, that he was better. 

May 21. The Sabbath. He pleasantly remarked, that he 
and Mrs. Macurdy had been attending upon a special ordi- 
uance. Some incident, reminded him of iiis obligation to God. 
At such times, he and Mrs. Macurdy united in prayer and 
hanksgiving to God, for his goodness. These were pleas- 
ant seasons, and had been refreshing to his soul. 

He obseived, that he had been tracing the progress of the 
gospel, and considering God's promises, in reference to its 
final triumphs, and he was fully assured, that it would go 
forward, and that by its instrumontality, the world, would 
be converted to God. Neither the Devil, nor the world, nor 
hell, could prevent the triumph of Christ's kingdom. 

May 22. His mind comfortable. He spoke of the char- 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 209 

acter of a true christian. He was one who was possessed 
of an humble spirit, who confessed his sins, mourned over 
tliem, and took refuge in Christ. "How beautiful," said he, 
"is such a character !" When he looked at the grace of God 
displayed in such cases, his mind was filled with delight. 
His feelings were sometimes almost extatic. 

May 25. He said, he felt thankful to God, that he had 
kept him from murmuring, and he hoped and prayed that he 
would continue to do so. When he thought of his own 
vileness, he was sometimes afraid that God would forsake 
him. He was reminded of what God had said in the eighty 
ninth psalm. "My loving kindness, I will not utterly take 
from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail." That, he said, 
was his hope. 

An the course of the conversation, the address of Christ to 
his disciples in the fourteenth chapter of John, was referred 
to. He dwelt upon it with much feeling. "O, how delight- 
ful it is," he exclaimed, "to spend an hour, talking about 
Jesus !" His heart appeared full of the consolations of the 
Holy Ghost. 

May 27. He was much weaker to day. "I hope," said 
he, "the end is drawing near. I indulge this pleasing hope, 
with the desire, that Jesus sustain me at the approach of 
death." When reference was made to the pledges of the 
Saviour to that effect, he gave his assent. 

May 28. JSabbath evening. He said, he had just been 
fixing upon a subject for meditation through the night. It 
was that of "saving faith," that faith which unites to Christ. 



210 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

He thought he had this faith. He had given himself to 
Christ repeatedly, and his only hope was from Christ. 
Nothing else would meet the wants of a dying sinner. No 
outward station, no rank, was of any avail. 

He said, some of the old Divines spoke of the appropria- 
ting act of faith. In accepting Christ, he said, he believed 
the sinner did appropriate Christ to himself. The matter 
stood thus. To the convinced sinner, Christ was offered, 
and he was invited to accept him as his Redeemer. This 
invitation he accepted, and in accepting Christ, appropriated 
him to himself, as his Saviour. To this kind of appropria- 
tion, there could be no reasonable objection. 

May 30. He said, he had suffered much: had passed 
through a pretty hard day. He had hoped, he would have 
gotten away. He had felt a strong desire to depart. He 
trusted, however, that he was willing to remain, and sufler 
whatever God was pleased to appoint. God's will was the 
best. 

He spoke of the delightful conversation which he had, 
last night, with two of the Students of our Theological Sem- 
inary, who watched with him. The subjects were justifi- 
cation by the imputed righteousness of Christ, received by 
faith alone, and the atonement. These subjects, he said, 
they had discussed with freedom, and, he hoped, with profit. 
It was to him, a happy night. 

June 5. God, he said, was leading him by a v/ay he 
knew not. He desired to be submissive, and he trusted^ 
iliat he was so, in some measure. His mind was calm. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 211 

He was neither much elated, nor much depressed. He had 
confidence that God would not forsake him. 

June 8. Found him weak. He spoke of being unable 
to distinguish day from night, owing to his blindness. I re- 
marked to him, that he would soon be, where there would be 
no night; where, "they need no candle, neither light of the 
sun : for the Lord God giveth thera light ; and they shall 
reign forever and ever." "O," said he, "how delightful 
will that be!" 

His respiration was very difticult. When reference was 
made to it, he said, that nature struggled hard, but must give 
way before long. 

June 13. He told me that he had experienced great weak- 
ness last night, and appeared to himself to be dying. I 
asked him, if his mind, at that time, was at peace ? "0 yes," 
he replied, "I was enabled to rest upon Christ." He said, 
he sometimes suffered greatly with sickness and pain, but, 
in the midst of all, he could write and subscribe with his 
hand, "The Lord is good ! The Lord is good to me !" 

He said, he felt that he was a poor sinner, and that his 
attainments were very low ; but, by the grace of God, he 
had a hope that he would be saved. He often thought of 
the weakness of his graces, compared with those of the ancient 
patriarchs. He often followed and traced tlie characters of 
Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob ; but, he did not stop there, but 
went on to that of Jesus Christ. 

Nothing was more beautiful, than to see a poor sinner 
sensible of his unworthiness and sin, bowinor before the throne 



212 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

of God, and seeking salvation, through the blood of Christ. 
"0, it is a pretty sight." 

He did not know, how God intended to take him out of 
the world ; whether with a strong gale, or with low sails. 
He rather thought it would be in the latter mode. He was 
willing to leave the manner of his departure with God. Du- 
ring the last few weeks, he thought he had learned a little 
more fully what it was to trust in God, and to exercise sub- 
mission to his will. He thought he was willing to lie in the 
hands of God. 

June 15. He seemed better to-day. He said, that on 
yesterday, when he was very sick and feeble, he thought he 
would try to pray, and look to God for support and deliver- 
ance. When about to make the effort, it was suggested to 
him, that it was a vain attempt; that he was too weak and 
sick to pray. Still, he thought it was his duty to pray. 
But, again, he was met with the suggestion, that he could 
not succeed ; that he could not connect his thoughts, and 
that, if he attempted it, all would be confusion. "Now," 
said he, "I began to discover the old gentleman, who was at 
work, and 1 determined by the grace of God, that he should 
not succeed, but, that I would pray. And, I did pray to 
God, and obtained relief.". He added, that the Devil had 
tried the same plan to keep him from praying to-day. "But," 
said he, "I just told him, that I had prayed yesterday, in 
spite of his efforts, and that I would do so again to-day. 
And, I did, so, and was not troubled any more with his sug- 
gestions." 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 213 

He inquired if I had any news for him ? I informed him 
that there was to be a meeting of ministers of the different 
Presbyterian denominations in the two eities, to-morrow af- 
ternoon, to consult in reference to the Bicentenary anniver- 
sary of the Westminster Assembly. That, he said, was 
very well. That Assembly had done much for religion. 
They had, in the Confession of Faith and Catechisms, erect- 
ed a bulwark around individuals, around the family, and 
around the church, against which the Devil had levelled his 
artillery in vain. He spoke in strong terms of commenc]^- 
tion of the Shorter Catechism, in particular. He could ask 
all the questions and repeat the answers, without a book. 
He referred to the doctrine of Justification by faith in the 
imputed righteousness of Christ, and remarked, that it was 
the great central doctrine of the gospel, into which all others? 
run, or from which, they emerge. 

He said he had been inquiring at his physician how long 
he would, probably, linger, before death dismissed him; but, 
that the Doctor had told him, it was altogether uncertain. On 
this point, therefore, he believed God was shutting him up 
to the exercise of faith and patience, and he hoped he was 
satisfied. 

June 17. To-day, he said, his comforts had been some- 
what interrupted. He had experienced some conflicts; had 
a mixture of light and shade in the exercises of his mind. 
The Lord, however, had not forsaken him, and he trusted 
that he would not 

He spoke of the comfort to be derived from God "who," 



214 THE LIFE OF MACUIiDY. 

said he, "is a Spirit, infinite, eternal and unchangeable in hi>^ 
being, wisdom, power, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth." 
Having repeated this from the Shorter Catechism, he paused, 
and said, "What a definition is this ! Can anything equal 
it !" He, then, proceeded to speak of God, as possessing all 
these perfections. "And," said he, "when we think of the 
myriads, and myriads, and myriads, who throughout eternity, 
will be engaged in contemplating, and admiring, and praising 
him, what a happy thought it is ! O, it is delightful !" 

A ministerial brother came in. The conversation turned 
upon preaching. He stated, that he had been lately reading 
of a methodist minister, who was in the habit of preaching 
twenty-one times a week. Mr. Macurdy replied, that he 
did not believe it to be a minister's duty to preach so often. 
Ministers ought to have time to think, and they ought to 
think carefully, deeply, diligently, so that they might bring 
forth, out of the treasure of God's word, things both old and 
new. He was opposed to empty declamation. Pastors 
should feed their flocks, with solid truth, from the pure word 
of God. 

.fune 21. He said, he hoped that he would soon be in 
that kingdom, in which dwelleth righteousness. Dr. Ral- 
ston, who was present, said, he not only hoped so, but that 
he was sure of it. He replied, that his confidence, in rela- 
tion to others, was often greater, than in relation to himself. 

June 23. He was not so well. He said, he had experi- 
enced some changes in the state of his mind yesterday and 
to-day; sometimes more comfortable, sometimes less so. 



THE LIFE OF HACURDY. 215 

Still iie was enabled to hope, that, through grace, he would 
be saved. He hoped tliat God, after training him for sixty 
years, in the school of Christ, would not cast him away at 
last. He was perplexed to know whether God designed 
that he should linger on for some time, or whether he intend- 
ed to remove him shortly. His hope was, that he did not 
design to continue him here long. He desired, however, to 
submit to his will. 

He referred to a clerical friend, who had visited him yes- 
terday, and who was much depressed, and in the dark about 
his spiritual interests. He said, he sincerely sympathized 
with him, as he knew what it was to have such seasons of 
darkness. 

He spoke of the conversations which he had with the 
young men who watched with him at night, and seemed 
much concerned for their spiritual welfare. He expressed a 
hope that God would make these conversations, instrumental 
in doing them good. 

June 29. He was considerably better. His mind, he 
said, was not so uniformly comfortable, as it had been. 
Hut, still, it was, upon the whole, in a comfortable frame. 
He said, he tried to look at the favourable, as well as the un- 
favourable things, in his condition. Men were too much in 
the habit of looking at the dark side of the picture. He 
spoke of this particularly, in regard to those who engaged in 
the Missionary work. Some of them were always talking 
of snows and rains, of swamps and rivers, and logs. Better 
for them to look at the other side of the picture. This, he 



^16 THE LIFE OF MACURI>V< 

knew, was not 8o easy in practice. He remarked, that a 
good brother, who had been out among the Indians, was giv- 
ing him a detail of his toils in travelling through swamps, 
and over logs and ditches, and that he told him, with some 
impatience, to give him no more of these things, but to tell 
him of the kindness of God to him, in his support and pro- 
tection. After some time, when he himself was on a visit 
to the Indians, the heavens poured rain upon him in torrents, 
and he endured great fatigue and exposure. He, then, 
thought of what he had said to his ministerial brother, and 
found that it was more easy to give advice, than, under such 
circumstances, to reduce it to practice. 

May 30. The weather being excessively hot, he was 
greatly exhausted. He said, he was sometimes afraid, he 
would be left to murmur, under his protracted afflictions. 
He was almost ready to say with the psalmist, "Is his mercy 
clean gone forever? Doth his promise fail forevermore ? 
Hath God forgotten to be gracious? Hath he in anger, shut 
up his tender mercies ?" I reminded him of what the psalm- 
ist added. "And, I said this is my infirmity ; but I will re- 
member the years of the right hand of the Most High. I 
will remember the works of the Lord; surely, I will remem- 
ber thy wonders of old." This, he said, kept him from 
sinking. He strove against despondency, and desired to lie, 
with submission, in the hands of God, and at the feet of Jesus. 

To encourage himself, he said, he tried to place before his 
mind, those examples of suff*ering and patience, which are 
recorded in the scriptures. He referred particularly to the 



THE LITE OF MACtTRDY. 217 

catalogue of worthies, mentioiipcl in the eleventh chapter of 

the Epistle to the Hebrews. He dwelt on these with 

great satisfacuon, and while he dilated on their several 

cases, and the exhibitions of their faith, he seemed to be 

greatly strengthened and comforted. If he could be satisfied 

that his continued sufferings would tend to the promotion 

of God's glory, he would willingly endure them all. And, 

his prayer and wish was, that he might be patient and 

submissive. 

July 2. Sabbath evening. His health improved. He 

said, he had been meditating on the vast extent of physical 

and moral evil in the world. When he looked at the great 

amount of wretchedness, of poverty, sickness, pain and 

death; and then, added to this, the moral evils which existed 

among men — their crimes, and wickedness of every grade 

and character, it formed a fearful mass. It was appalling 

to look at it. But, on the other hand, when he cast his eye 

to the gospel, the remedy which God had provided for all 

these evils, the scene brightened. This, he had tried to do, 

and found some comfort in the contemplation of this glorious 

plan. As to himself, when he saw the accumulated mass 

of evil all around him, he seemed as if he would-be swept 

away. But when lie looked to the power and grace of God 

in Christ, he found support. 

He spoke feelingly of the unbelief of the human heart, 

and its natural enmity against God, which nothing but the 

grace of God could overcome. Even in the people of God, 

there was much remaining corruption, and some of liis 
18 



218 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

children had great conflicts. He referred to the case of a 
very godly man in Pigeon Creek congregation, who, for the 
last twenty-four hours of his life, had been left in great 
darkness and doubt, about his religious state. The struggle 
was long and arduous. When near his last, he requested 
his friends around him to select one of Newton's hymns, 
which he designated. Having done so, he united with 
them in singing it. When they closed, his doubts and fears 
were gone: and with joy beaming in his countenance, he 
exclaimed "Victory! Victory! Victory!" and died. 

July 16. On account of my absence from home I did 
not see him for some time. Found him weak. His exer- 
cises of mind had undergone no great change, as to their 
general character. This morning, he said, he thought he 
was going to die. He would have preferred that it had been 
so, but, was willing to acquiesce in the will of God. 

July 19. He said, that during the preceding night, he 
had been greatly troubled. He awoke from sleep, distressed 
with the thought, that God had abandoned the government 
of the world, and given it up to the control of the wicked. 
When he reflected on the subject, he was satisfied that this 
could no^fbe the case, and concluded that his bodily disease 
was aff*ecting the state of his mind. From time to time, as 
he awoke during the night, after short seasons of sleep, he 
was perplexed in the same manner. At length, however, 
after a sound sleep, he awoke and found all right. 

July 23. For a number of nights past, he said he had 
seasons, in which he experienced much enjoyment in medi- 



THE LIFE OF MACrRDY. 219 

tation. He thought, he coukl truly say, they were delightful 
seasons to his soul. 

July 31. He remarked, that the dispensations of God's 
providence towards him, were very wonderful. Why he 
should be continued so long, hanging between life and death, 
and unable to do anything, appeared to him, often, very 
mysterious. If God was, in any way, glorified by him, 
however, he was satisfied. And, perhaps he was thus de- 
tained to illustrate the power and grace of God, in supportinor 
him, that others might be encouraged to trust in him. 

August 4. He expressed his gratitude that God was 
still supporting him. But, he was not without his conllicts. 
A few nights ago, he was lying in bed awake. Suddenly, 
an evil report, which he had once heard of a neighbour, 
was obtruded upon his mind. He tried to banish it, as he 
knew it to be false ; but, while striving to do so, something 
seemed to say, almost with the distinctness of a voice — 
"Tell it! tell it! publish it!" Again, he strove to banish it, 
and again he was assailed with the suggestion, "tell it ! tell 
it! publish it! publish it!" He began to reflect, that the 
Devil had, probably, something to do with the matter. And, 
knowing that prayer was the most efl'ectual remedy against 
such assaults, he prayed to God for relief, and it was not 
long until he obtained it. 

"For Satan trembles, when he sees, 
The weakest saint upon his knees." 

September 1. It was several weeks since I last saw him. 
His health had considerably improved. His mind, he said, 



220 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

had been, for the most part, comfortable. God had been 
very kind to him, for which, he hoped he felt thankful. 

Sept. 4. He had not been so well yesterday, but was 
again better to-day. In the latter part of the last night, he 
said, he had experienced much comfort. While he saw 
that he was fast sinking into the grave, he was enabled to 
look up and call God his gracious Father. This raised him 
above all his trials. Although this world was one of sor- 
row and suffering, the assurance that all was under the 
direction of an infinitely wise God, removed every difficulty 
And for himself, he couid say, that God had favoured him 
with more comfort than fell to the lot of many, and that 
goodness and mercy had followed him all his days. 

Sept. 19. While speaking to him of a friend, after whom 
he had inquired, and who was much depressed in mind, he 
remarked, "Well, I am comfortable in that respect; I enjoy 
much of the consolations of religion ; more than I did some 
time ago. In this, I have much for which to be thankful." 

He continued to converse, for some time, on the evidences 
of true religion in the heart. He did not consider lively, 
extatic feelings as essentially necessary. Indeed, there was 
often less reliance to be placed on these cases, than on those 
in which there was less excitement. 

He referred to the doctrine of the saint's perseverance. 
While conversing on this subject, he related the following 
anecdote, which occurred between two negroes: "You 
talk a great deal," said Dick to Tom, "about perseverance : 
— what do you mean by this perseverance ?" "Why, Dick," 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 221 

said Tom, "I mean just this — It is taking hold of Christ, 
and holding fast, and hanging on, and never letting him go ! 
This is what I mean by perseverance." "This," said Mr. 
Macurdy, " is a better definition tJian has often been given 
by learned Divines." 

December 29. His health, which had been much better, 
lor several months, had given way, for some days past. He 
sent me a message that he v>'ished to see me. When I called 
he seemed much reduced in strength. In reply to my in- 
quiries about the state of his mind, and whether he was com- 
fortable? He said, "0, yes ! I have enjoyed great comfort, 
for some days. I have never had such comfort before." 
He said, he had been preaching over the twenty-third psalm; 
and although he had, when in health, preached on every 
verse of it, he had never before seen such beauty, nor enjoyed 
such comfort, in meditating upon it. 

lie referred to the wonderful grace of God. in calling him 
to preach the gospel. He felt, that he had been a very weak 
instrument; but he was conscious of having endeavoured to 
be faithful. And, as to the system of doctrines which he 
had preached, he would not, after full and repeated exami- 
nations, alter a single iota of any thing which he had ever 
intentionally preached. He had lived upon the doctrines of 
grace, which he had preached to others; and now, he was 
willing to risk his soul upon them for eternity. 

January 13, 1844. Found him very feeble. He said he 
was very desirous to see me, to tell me what he had expe- 
rienced of the goodness of God. Last week, his medita- 
18* 



222 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

lions on the character and perfections of God, had been ac- 
companied with the most overvvhehiiing and comfortable 
feelings. God's whole character, and especially his plan of 
salvation, appeared so glorious and excellent, that when he 
contemplated it, he could scarcely refrain himself. He was 
almost compelled to cry out, in view of its moral glory ana 
excellence. This week, his feelings were not so elevated 
and joyful; but he had a calm and settled hope. He was 
comfortable. 

May 12. Before leaving to attend the meeting of the 
General Assembly at Louisville, I called to see him. He 
told me he had a brother, who resided at Frankfort, Ken- 
tucky, who might, perhaps, visit Louisville, during the ses- 
sions of the Assembly. "If you see him," said he, "you 
can tell him all about me. Tell him, I am a poor old sin- 
ner, but, through the mercy of God, have a feeble hope of 
gelling to heaven." 

August 6. His health, for some time past, had continued 
about the same, although, he believed, the powers of nature 
were gradually giving way. He said, he had been engaged, 
some nights before this, in meditating upon the first eight 
verses, of the fifth chapter of the Epistle to the Romans. 
While thus engaged, his mind had been led out into a con- 
templation of the divine perfections, of which he had a very 
clear and full perception. He thought he never saw and felt 
so much of God in his soul, as he did then. He was almost 
constrained to cry aloud. He could scarcely contain him- 
self. This, he thought, might be an illustration of what the 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY, 223 

Apostle meant, in the fifth verse of that chapter, by "the love 
of God shed abroad in the heart, by the Holy Ghost given 
unto us." 

December 3. Having received a message, that he wished 
to see me, in reference to some plans of his for the good of 
of the Theological Seminary, I repaired to his house. He 
immediately informed me, that his mind had been much ex- 
ercised about the Seminary. Last night, he could not sleep, 
his mind had been so much occupied on the subject. A friend 
of his, who had spent a night with him, a short time ago, 
had informed him that Mr. William V/allace, a Ruling El- 
der in the church of Upper Buffalo, intended to leave all his 
property to benevolent objects. As I was acquainted with 
Mr. Wallace, Mr. Macurdy urged me to write to him, and 
direct his attention to the Seminary, as a suitable object of 
his benefactions. "Tell him," said he "that I know many 
of the young men at the Seminary — that I believe them to 
be of the right stamp, and that he cannot leave his property 
to a better object." After conversing for some time on this 
subject, with much earnestness, he concluded by saying, 
"Now, I have done my part of the work, you must do the 
rest; the responsibility rests with you, and I will leave it 
there."* Thus did he plan and labour for the good of an 
institution, which he believed to be intimately connected 
with the glory of God, and the salvation of souls. 

* As Mr. Wallace is since dead, I have not deemed it improper to 
mention his name, and to add, that, among other legacies to benevolent 
objects, he left Five Hundred dollars to the Seminary, which lias been 
paid by his Executors. 



224 THE LIFE OF MAOURDY. 

December 7. Called in company with a clerical friend. 
During the conversation, he remarked, that be resorted to 
different methods of employing his mind at night, when he 
could not sleep. A few nights before, he had been sleepless, 
and had, with great comfort and profit, repeated the Assem- 
bly's Shorter Catechism, from the beginning to the end, three 
times, in immediate succession. So much was he interested 
and delighted with the exercise, that he could not help thinking 
how profitable it would be to require Theological Students 
to make themselves familiar with this admirable compend. 
It was a work almost beyond human skill to construct such 
a compend, so compact, and systematic, and complete in all 
its parts. 

February 9, 1845. The general frame of his mind, he 
said, was peaceful. He felt he had cause of thankfulness, 
that the Lord kept him from the power of the great adver- 
sary of souls. He was very weak, but the Lord sustained 
him. 

February 2L For some time past, he said, he had been 
dying. Since he saw me, he had been down upon the banks 
of Jordan. I inquired how it appeared to him, when on its 
brink? He said, he was able to look upon it without dread. 
His mind was not as joyful, as it had been some lime ago, 
but, it was at peace. He was enabled to trust his soul in 
the hands of Christ. He wished to leave his dying testi- 
mony to the goodness of God. "Truly," said he, "God has 
been good to me!" He referred particularly, to his good- 
ness in giving him a partner whose unceasing kindncsi- r.nd 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 225 

attention to all his wants, greatly mitigated the trials to which 
his weakness, and many infirmities subjected him. 

March 15. His health was something better, than it had 
been for a week or two past. His mind, he said, was peace- 
ful. He was like a vessel in a harbour, and the waters 
calm. Yet he knew not, but there might be storms ahead. 
He was willing, however, to leave all to God. 

March 29. There was no apparent change in his health. 
He said he had not rested very well last night, and had re- 
sorted to his accustomed exercise of repeating the Shorter 
Catechism, and meditating on it in the watches of the night. 
He had found s >me perplexity, however, in relation to the 
closing words of the Catechism, viz: — "In testimony of our 
desire and assurance to be heard, we say. Amen." The 
idea that assurance was of the essence of faith, seemed to be 
conveyed here, and he was opposed to the notion, that sa- 
ving faith involved in it the idea of assurance of our personal 
interest in Christ. His mind was immediately relieved, 
however, by the suggestion, that the assurance here spoken 
of, had respect to the faithfulness of God to his promises 
made to believing prayer. He expressed great thankfulness 
to God for the calmness and peace of min'l, which he en- 
joyed, and attributed all to the grace of God abounding to- 
wards him in Christ., 

April 23. He thought himself gradually sinking, and be- 
coming more helpless. He remarked, that he did not know 
how long the Lord intended to sustain him here ; but, he felt 



226 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

it to be his duty to be still and know that he was God, who 
had a full right to do with him as he saw best. 

He spoke of the great fire which had occurred in Pitts- 
burgh on the tenth instant. He viewed it as a solemn ad- 
monition to the people, from God, on account of their sins, 
and hoped it would be over-ruled by him, for good to all 
concerned. 

May 23. About a week ago, while standing by a small 
table, he fell and fractured one of his bones. This gave him 
very great pain, for some time. He was now somewhat re- 
lieved from the pain, but very weak. His mind, he said, 
was free from any distressing anxiety, but his comforts were 
not so lively as they had been. His hope was in Christ, as 
his only Saviour. 

June 18. He was very weak and much prostrated. He 
said he was not able to talk, but wished me to speak to him 
about Jesus. When I was about to leave him, he remarked 
that his passage to eternity would be a short one. He be- 
lieved he was near his last. And, with deep feeling, he ad- 
ded, "I want to go home ! I long to be gone !" To the re- 
mark, that he must wait God's time, he replied, "O, yes! I 
desire to do so. Pray for me, that I may not be left to mur- 
mur and dishonour God." 

June 22. In reply to my inquiry, whether he was better? 
he said, "0, yes! 1 am: for, I believe, I will soon get away. 
1 am sinking fast." 

He referred to the pleasure it gave him to see and converse 
with his friends. It was remarked to him, that when he got 



THE LlfE OF MACURDY. 227 

to heaven, he would have far better company, than he en- 
joyed here ; that he would have the privilege of holding com- 
munion with those who had washed their robes and made 
them white in the blood of the Lamb. "O, yes !" said he, 
"it is almost too high a grasp of faith, to hope that su ch a 
poor sinner as I am, shall be admitted to the enjoyment of 
so great a privilege; and yet, I cannot bear the thought, that 
I shall be separated from that heavenly throng." Here, his 
feelings overcame him, and he wept. 

He spoke of an intellig:^nt and pious man, who, he thought, 
might be usefully employed in the service of tlie church. 
"We ought not," said he, "to let the Devil have the intellect, 
which God has sanctified and brought into the church, but 
should employ it for his glory." 

He remarked, that he had a strange uniformity of expe- 
rience. He had neither high measures of joy, nor any deep 
depression or discouragement. Doubdess God saw it best 
to keep him in this state, to guard him against dangers, to 
which, by his physical constitution he was prone. In times 
of revival, God had often kept him in his proper place, and 
prevented him from being exalted above measure, by making 
him feel his great unwortliiness and insufficiency. And 
now he withheld from him high comforts, lest he might make 
an improper use of them, and rest on them to his injury. 
He was thankful, however, that his mind was at peace. 

June 28. His mind, he said, was always actively en- 
gaged in meditating upon something connected with his 
eternal interests. As he knew he was very near to death 



^28 THE LIFE OF MACURDY, 

he tried to survey the whole scene. Death, and an entrance 
on the eternal world, vhere all would be new, and where 
there would be no hange, seemed to him, at times, to be 
very overwhelming. But, the thought that God — that God 
who was his father and friend— would be there, imparted a 
pleasing calm to his mind, and he felt happy. And, when 
he surveyed the approaching scene of suffering and conflict' 
through which he would shortly have to pass, and felt his 
mind agitated in view of these trials that awaited him, the 
reflection that God would be there, to sustain and comfort 
him, gave tranquillity to his spirit, and filled him with peace. 

His disposition seemed peculiarly subdued and child-like. 
He expressed great satisfaction with the men who waited 
upon him, and desired me to aid one of them who was 
about to leave him, in getting a good place. 

July 11. Found him very weak, from an attack of 
cholera morbus. In reply to my inquiries, he said that his 
mind was at peace. He remarked, that he had but little 
mind, but added, "God knows all about it." He was very 
drowsy, and soon fell into a slumber. 

July 13. Sabbath afternoon. He appeared very languid 
and feeble. He said he had but little mind, but was enabled 
to meditate with pleasure on the character of God, especially 
his faithfulness to his promises. He had no distressing 
fears — God was very good to him — Christ was the only 
foundation on which he rested. He had no other one but 
Christ to whom he could go. 

He referred to a meeting in reference to the diffusion of 



THE LIFE OF MACIJRDY. 229 

religious publications, which he had heard was about to be 
held. He expressed an earnest desire that it might be pro- 
ductive of good. He stated some plans of his own for the 
advancement of this cause, and pressed them upon my at- 
tention. Thus, in the midst of his weakness, did his mind 
run upon plans for the extension of Christ's kingdom. The 
following language seemed to be descriptive of the state of 
his mind. "For Zion's sake will I not hold my peace, anil 
for Jerusalem's sake, I will not rest, until the righteousness 
thereof go forth as brightness, and the salvation thereof as a 
lamp that burneth." Is. 62:1. 

July 16. "0," said he, "I want to go home! When 
shall I be freed from the body of this death!" He spoke of the 
slow decline of his bodily powers. Last night, he said, he 
lay with watchful anxiety to see the end of the matter. He 
looked and waited for "the last long breath," which would 
put an end to his mortal existence, and bring him to his Fa- 
ther's house. But, still he was here. The Lord knew 
what was best. "But, 0," said he, "I wish to be home!'* 

July 21. He appeared much weaker; scarcely able to 
converse. In reply to inquiries after the state of his health, 
he said, "I am in Jordan: its waves are swelling around me." 
It was remarked to him, that he had a good pilot to conduct 
him over its dark waters. "Yes!" said he, "there is a life 
boat tliat will take me safely over." He, then, added, that 
he was. too weak to talk. 

July 22. I received a message, that he was dying, and 
hastened to his chamber. He was breathing very heavily, 



230 THE LIFE OP MACtKDYi 

and was much prostrated, but in the full possession and ex- 
ercise of his mental powers. After a few words in regard 
to his great weakness, I expressed a hope, that Jesus was 
present with him as a precious Saviour. "O, yes," said he, 
" he is all my comfort," This was all he was able to say. 
His breathing had become exceedingly difficult and laborious. 
I asked him if he thought he would be able to fix his atten- 
tion while we united in prayer. "I was just thinking of it," 
he replied. After engaging in prayer, I repeated to him what 
Christ said to his disciples. "In my Father's house are ma- 
ny mansions : if it were not so, I would have told you. I 
go to prepare a place for you. And, if I go and prepare a 
place for you, I will come again and receive you unto my- 
self; that where I am, there ye may be also." The repe- 
tition of these words of the Saviour seemed to impart anima- 
tion to his mind, and he made several efforts to speak, but 
was unable to make himself understood. Once or twice he 
pronounced the name "Jesus." 

A short time before his departure, his friend and family 
physician — Dr. Dale — came into the room, and having sat 
down at his bed side, asked him, if he was aware that he 
was dying? He immediately intimated that he was, by a 
motion of his head. Shordy after this, the Doctor asked 
him, if he would have some water? With hurried utterance, 
he replied " The Water of Life !" These were his last 
words. His respiration became less violent, and he sunk 
gradually, as one fiiUing asleep, until he ceased to breathe. 
He died between the hours of two and three, in the afternoon. 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 231 

On the day following bis decease, his remains were con- 
veyed to Cross Roads, the place of his most extended la- 
bours, where, in the midst of a large concourse of the peo- 
ple of his former pastoral charge, they were deposited in the 
silent tomb, there to rest until the morning of the resurrec- 
tion. 



232 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 



CHAPTER IX. 



Traits of Character — Decision — Energy Discernment — Liberality- 
Missionary Spirit — Piety. 



In the perusal of the preceding nariative, the intelligent 
reader will have scarcely failed to observe some of the lead- 
ing peculiarities of Mr. Macurdy's mind. To those, how- 
ever, whose mental habits do not incline them to look beyond 
the naked facts, it may be profitable to present in a more di- 
rect and formal manner some of those traits of character by 
which he was prominently distinguished. In doing this, an 
opportunity will be afforded to introduce a few additional 
anecdotes tending more fully to illustrate his character. This 
will form a suitable conclusion to our work. 

In contemplating the facts which have been presented, it 
is obvious to remark, that Mr. Macurdy w-as emphatically a 
practical man. He was so in two respects. In the first 
place, all his projects had a practical bearing. He devised 
plans, not as a mere theorist, for the pleasure to be derived 
from their construction. But, when he formed a theory, it 
was that it might be tested by practice. When he arranged 
a plan, it was with a view to its actual execution. Hence, 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 233 

all his purposes and schemes, in reference to the church and 
its interests, loked towards some important practical results. 
But, he was a practical man, in another respect. He was 
willing and ready to take the post of labour, and actually 
carry out any lawful and feasible scheme, for the advance- 
ment of the cause of his Divine Master. He was truly and 
really "a working man." Of this, the facts imbodied in the 
preceding narrative, furnish the most incontestable proof. If 
the work was a good one which had for its object the Re- 
deemer's glory and the salvation of men, and seemed at all 
practicable, he was prompt in lending his efforts for its ac- 
complishment. "Whenever the call was made, and the ques- 
tion asked, "Who will go for us?" he seems to have had 
but one answer, and that answer always at hand, "Here am 
I, send me." 

Mr. Macurdy's constitutional temperament was ardent. 
This was not changed by his conversion to God, but brought 
under proper control. Hence, he entered with passionate 
ardour on the prosecution of any enterprise which tended to 
the advancement of Christ's kingdom in the world. This 
augmented his activity, and inspired him with fortitude in 
the midst of surrounding difficulties. There was a warmth 
and earnestness, in the prosecution of his labours for Christ, 
which showed that his affections were deeply enlisted, and 
that his efforts were not the result of mere intellectual calcu- 
lation. Nor was this the case in relation to his public la- 
bours only, but it was seen in his more private exertions for 

the spiritual welfare of those around him. The various in- 
19* 



234 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

mates of his family — those with whom he was brouglit into 
frequent and familiar intercourse, felt the influence of his zeal 
for their good. Several young men who lived with him at 
different times, and performed the labour of his farm, became 
the hopeful subjects of God's converting grace, through his 
zealous efiorts on their behalf. 

He was, moreover, a man of great decision of character. 
T)us was a very prominent trait of his mind. His per- 
ceptions were quick, and he reached his conclusions with 
an almost intuitive readiness. Hence, he rarely hesitated, 
but at once decided, and with unflinching firmness adhered 
to his decision. The difficulties of the case, or the repul- 
sive character of the adventitious circumstances connected 
with it, were not allowed to shake his purpose, or to alter 
his resolutions. Sometimes, indeed, he was looked upon 
as obstinate, and perhaps occasionally his decision tended 
to this extreme. But even then, the inflexible decision he 
evinced, was the result of conscientious convictions of duty. 
Of this, the following anecdote will furnish an illustration: 

On a certain occasion, a gentleman who resided at some 
distance, sent him a message, desiring him to hold himself 
in readiness to perform the marriage ceremony for him, 
without publication, at a particular time and place. To 
this, he replied, that he would do so, on condition that he 
would procure a license, which the law at that time re- 
quired, but that without this he would not celebrate the 
marriage. Not being willing to take the trouble of going to 
the County town to obtain tlie license, the gendeman, with 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 235 

his bride and company, went to the place appointed without 
it. Mr. Macurdy, punctual to his engagement, was there 
at the hour agreed upon. When about to proceed to the 
performance of the ceremony, he asked for the license. 
The gendeman replied, that he had come without it, as it 
was inconvenient for him to procure one. "Did I not send 
you word," said Mr. Macurdy, "that I would not marry 
you without a license?" "You did," said the man, "but 
I thought you would not be so particular." "I will not 
marry you !" rejoined Macurdy, and turned away and left 
him. The gentleman and his friends were gready discon- 
certed, and retiring to the door, were heard conferring on 
the subject. " Never mind," said one, "he will yield the 
point by and by." " You are mistaken," responded a 
young man, who had lived in Mr. Macurdy's family, and 
was standing near them at the time; " if you knew him half 
as well as I do, you would not say that: he will never 
change his ground at the sacrifice of principle !" It turned 
out so, in the present case. He refused to yield, and the 
parties finding him to be immoveable, called in a magistrate, 
who, being less scrupulous about obedience to the law, per- 
formed the ceremony, and joined them in the bands of holy 
matrimony. 

His energy of character was not less distinctly visible than 
his decision. Indeed, these traits of character are gener- 
ally, if not always, found in the same person. Force of 
execution was, with Mr. Macurdy, as strikingly manifest 
as . firmness of purpose. AVhat he unhesitatingly deter- 



236 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

mined, he vigorously executed. Of this, we have had re- 
peated examples in the preceding narrative. While others 
were hesitating, he went forward. While they stopped to 
debate the practicability of breaking ground, he "stuck in 
the stake" and proceeded with the work. Whatever his 
hand found to do, in reference to the cause of Christ, he did 
it with his might. 

These traits of character were strongly developed, not 
only in regard to matters of a purely religious nature, but, 
also, in relation to other things which involved interests of 
much magnitude. An instance of this we have in his con- 
duct shortly after the commencement of the war of 1812. 
Upon the surrender of Gen. Hull to the British, the pris- 
oners were brought over from Maiden and landed at the 
mouth of Huron river, on parole. The inhabitants having 
had no information of Hull's surrender, mistook them for a 
party of the enemy, and retired from the place in a panic. 
The alarm spread through the interiour, and an express soon 
arrived in Washington county, bringing the information that 
a large force of the British and Indians had landed, and were 
on their way towards Pittsburgh. In a few days, about 
four hundred volunteers were collected and marched from 
Cross Roads to meet and repel the enemy. Many of these 
were members of Mr. Macurdy's church, and all of them 
his neighbours. His energies were awakened, and he de- 
termined not to stay behind them. Accordingly, having 
made a hasty preparation, he set out with them, taking his 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 237 

position with a company of cavalry, which marched in the 
van of the army. 

The akirm, however, proved to be a false one. Upon 
their reaching the vicinity of New Lisbon, they were met 
by some of the men sent home on parole, who rectified the 
mistake, and induced them to go no farther. This was on 
Saturday evening. They, therefore, proceeded to New Lis- 
bon, where they encamped and remained over the Sabbath. 
The Rev. Clement Vallandingham, [35] pastor of the Pres- 
byterian church in that place, preached to them in the morn- 
ing. In the afternoon, Mr. Macurdy addressed them from 
Psalms 97:1. "The Lord reigneth, let the earth rejoice." 
He is said to have been unusually eloquent on the occasion. 
He encouraged those who were called to active service in 
defence of their country, by a reference to the special provi- 
dence of God, assuring them that, in the midst of the thick- 
est dangers, not a ball could touch them, without his permis- 
sion. Those who were present spoke of his discourse in 
terms of high admiration. 

Tt is to be presumed that the object of Mr. Macurdy in 
going out with his friends and neighbours, on that occasion, 
was not to act the part of a soldier, and participate in the ac- 
tual conflicts of battle. But he went, no doubt, to act the 
part of a minister of consolation to those who were called 
to fight the battles of their country. For this purpose he 
was willing to endure the hardships of the camp, and to ex- 
pose himself to whatever dangers might be connected with 
the discharge of his official duty. And as he was a man of 



238 THE LIFE OF MAClTRDY. 

fl^reat moral and physical courage, his presence and fearless 
bearing could not fail to inspire with confidence the minds 
of those with whom he mingled. Nor are we prepared to 
deny, but that if there had been an actual invasion, and the 
emergency had appeared to require his personal aid to arrest 
the progress of the invading army, he would have met the 
crisis, and exposed his life in defence of his country. 

His talents, although not of the first order, were highly 
respectable. And, had his mind been subjected to the dis- 
cipline connected with an earlier prosecution of his studies, 
he would, doubtless, have appeared to much greater advan- 
tage. But, even under the disadvantages arising from a late 
course of mental training, he gave ample evidence of an ac- 
tive and vigorous mind. The peculiar character of his mind 
has been already not'ced. It may be added here, that he 
evinced great quickness in discerning the latent springs of 
action by which persons were influenced, and peculiar read- 
iness in adopting the proper course in reference to them. 
The following incident will furnish an illustration of this re- 
mark: 

At a certain time, when a good deal of excitement pre- 
vailed in the neighbourhood on the subject of religion, one 
of his female hearers got into the habit of attending tiie meet- 
ings of the Methodists, and was believed to be strongly in- 
clined to join them. Meeting Mr. Macurdy one day, she said 
to him, evidently to test his feelings on the subject. "Mr. 
Macurdy: if you do not take care, the Methodists will take 
some of your sheep from you ? " "They make take some 



THE LIFE OF MACURDV^. 2W 

of ike goais,^^ replied Macurdy — ''but there is no danger of 
the sheep.' '^ 

Candour requires us to admit, that notwithstanding his 
ready discernment of character, and of the springs of human 
action, his judgment was sometimes warped by the warmth 
and strength of his personal attachments. If a m'ln appeared 
intent on doing good, and professed a desire to labour for 
Christ and the salvation of souls, he was ever ready to take 
him by the hand, and to give him his patronage. Indeed, if 
he once received the impression, that a man was pious and 
anxious to promote the interests of the Redeemer's kinirdom, 
he ceased severely to scrutinize his character, and was con- 
sequently very liable to imposition. But, when his mind 
was free from incidental influences of this kind, he was a 
good judge of human character. 

In his contributions to benevolent objects, he was highly 
generous. The liberality which he inculcated upon others, 
he practised himself. In his zealous prosecution of the Mis- 
sionary work, he made pecuniary sacrifices to a considerable 
amount. For his services at Maumee, in superintending the 
erection of the Alission house in 1822, he declined any com- 
pensation. And, in 1823, besides relinquishing compensa- 
tion for his services, he contributed Fifty dollars towards the 
payment of the expenses incurred by his protracted illness 
on his way home. 

Of his attachment to the Indians, and his devotion to the 
cause of Indian Missions, the facts already recited furnish 
abundant evidence. The spirit of Missionary enterprise in 



240 l^HE LIFE OF MACUkDV. 

reference to this degraded and dow\i-trodden race was very 
strongly developed in his various and self-denying labours 
on their behalf. And after he ceased to be actively engaged 
in personal services for their benefit, he cherished an earnest 
desire for their salvation. They v/ere the frequent subjects 
of his conversation and his prayers, and whenever an oppor- 
tunity was offered to aid in giving an impulse to efforts for 
their good, he was prompt and forward to embrace it. Mis- 
sionaries and their families, in going to and returning from 
their fields of labour among them, always found a home and a 
welcome at his house, and were often sent away with liberal 
contributions from himself and his congregation. 

With regard to the character of his piety, nothing need 
be added. The reader will not have failed to observe its 
pervading and controlling influence over the whole course 
of his life. A superficial and rootling piety — a piety which 
was not deeply seated in the heart — would not have prompt- 
ed to such self-denying labours and sacrifices for the purpose 
of bringing benighted men to the saving knowledge of 
Christ. Nor would a soul which was not deeply imbued 
with the grace of C4od, have evinced such a heavenly spirit, 
and breathed forth such earnest desires after the salvation 
of God, as are found in the records of his experience. As 
he drew near to the close of his trials and his pilgrimage on 
earth, he seemed to ripen fast for heaven. His affections 
appeared to be withdrawn from the world, and he longed to 
"go home" and be forever with the Lord. 

That Mr. Macurdy deserves a higher rank than many of 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 241 

his brethren in Western Pennsylvania, who were sharer« 
with him in the toils and privations of ministerial and mis- 
sionary life, we are neither disposed nor prepared to affirm. 
There were many others who laboured with equal zeal and 
assiduity, in their places, to carry forward the work of God. 
There were some, also, whose talents, acquirements and gen- 
eral influence were greater. But, in all that pertained to ac- 
tive service — to the executive department of labour — he was 
among the very foremost. By his unceasing activity, he 
stimulated others to action. And the fact that he was more 
frequently in the field of public enterprise than most of his 
brethren, shows that his character was well understood and 
properly appreciated. His history, as far as we have been 
able to collect it, we have endeavoured faithfully to delineate, 
leaving it with the reader to form that judgment of it, which 

the facts presented will justify. 
20 



APPENDIX 



BRIEF NOTICES 

OF 

VARIOUS DECEASED MINISTERS 

F THE 

PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH, 

IN 

WESTERN PENNSYLVANIA. 



THE REV. JAMES HUGHES. 

[L] The Rev. James Hughes was a native of York 
county, Pennsylvania. His father, Rowland Hughes, emi- 
grated from England. His parents were both esteemed for 
their consistent religious character, especially his mother, 
who was eminently pious. About the year 1780, he re- 
moved with his mother and family to Washington county, 
his father having died about a year before. His education, 
so far as we have been able to learn any thing respecting it, 
was prosecuted under the direction of the Rev. Joseph 
Smith of Upper Buffalo, in that county, with whom, also, it 
is probable that he studied Theology. He was licensed to 

preach the orospel Aoril i5th, 1788, by the Presbytery of 
20* 215 



246 APPENDIX. 

Redstone. His labours appear to have been very acceptable 
to the churches, as three several calls vj^ere presented to him, 
at the same meeting of the Presbytery ; one from the united 
congregations of Short Creek and Lower Buffalo ; one from 
Donegal, Fairfield, and Wheatfield ; and one from New Pro- 
vidence, and the South Fork of Ten Mile. The first of 
these calls he accepted, and was ordained by the same Pres- 
bytery, and installed the pastor of Sliort Creek and Lower 
Buffalo, in Ohio county, Virginia, on the 21st of April, 1790. 
In these congregations, he laboured upwards of twenty- 
four years, with very encouraging success. During that pe- 
riod, a number of revivals occurred under his ministry, and 
many precious souls were born into the kingdom of Jesus 
Christ. On the 29th of June, 1814, he resigned his pastoral 
charge, and was dismissed by the Presbytery of Ohio, to 
which he then belonged, and of which he was an original 
member, to join the Presbytery of Miami. About the same 
time he removed to Urbana, Ohio, where for three years he 
acted as a stated supply and missionary. In the month of 
June, 1818, he was chosen Principal of what is now the 
Miami University. This office he accepted and held to the 
time of his death, which occurred May 2d, 1821, at Oxford, 
Butler county, Ohio. He died firmly resting on the atoning 
blood of that Saviour whom he had so long and so faithfully 
preached. 

Mr. Hughes was an early and decided friend of missions 
He was an active member of the Board of Trust of the Wes- 
tern Missionary Society, for a number of years, and, as ap- 



APPENDIX. 247 

pears from their records, was very constant in his attendance 
on their meetings. Besides other missionary tours in desti- 
tute settlements, he performed two journeys, at least, as a 
missionary to the Indian tribes on the Sandusky river. 

The Rev. Smiley Hughes — who died shortly after he was 
licensed — and the Rev. Thomas E. Hughes deceased — were 
his brothers. He had two sons who entered the ministry, 
viz: the Rev. Joseph S. Hughes deceased, and the Rev. 
Thomas Edgar Hughes of the Presbytery of Oxford. The 
Rev. David S. Anderson, who is, also, a member of the 
Presbytery of Oxford, is his nephew. 



THE REV. JOHN M'PHERRIN. 

[2.] The Rev. John M'Pherrin was born in York, 
now Adams county, Pennsylvania, November 17th, 1757. 
His father was a Ruling Elder in the church of Lower 
Marsli Creek, under the pastoral care of the Rev. John 
M 'Knight, D. D. He learned the languages, preparatory 
to his going to College, under the Rev. Robert Smith, D. D., 
of Pequea, and was graduated May 7th, 1788, at Dickinson 
College, Carlisle, during the Presidency of the Rev. Dr> 
Nisbet. His theological studies were prosecuted under the 
direction of the Rev. John Clark, pastor of the church of 



248 APPENDIX. 

Bethel, Allegheny county, Pennsylvania. He was licensed 
to preach the gospel, August 20th, 1789, by the Presbytery 
of Redstone, and ordained and installed by. the same Pres- 
bytery, pastor of the united congregations of Salem and 
Unity, in Westmoreland county, Penn'a, on the 22d of 
September, 1790. Dr. M'Millan presided at the ordination, 
and Mr. James Finley [3] gave the charge. In these united 
congregations he laboured with great success for a number 
of years. But, on the 25th of June, 1800, he resigned the 
charge of Unity, and on the 20th of April, 1803, that of 
Salem : and having accepted a call from the united congre- 
gations of Concord and Muddy Creek, within the bounds 
of the Erie Presbytery, he was dismissed to that Presbytery, 
October 16th, 1804, and received by it, April 9th, 1805. 
About the same time he removed with his family to Butler 
county, in which his congregations were situated. A few 
years afterward. Concord and Harmony appear, as his 
charge, on the records of the Presbytery, and still later, 
Butler and Concord. He is said to have been the founder 
of the church in the town of Butler, and was its pastor for 
ten or twelve years. When the Presbytery of Allegheny 
was erected in the fall of 1820, he was included within its 
limits, as one of its original members. He acted as Mode- 
rator of the Synod of Virginia in 1799, and of the Synod 
of Pittsburgh in 1805. He died February 10th, 1822, in 
the sixty-fifth year of his age. 

He was a thorough Latin and Greek scholar, and for a 
number of years after he was settled in the ministry, taught 



APPENDIX. 249 

a class of young men, most of whom became ministers of 
the gospel. He also possessed a knowledge of the Hebrew 
language, which was a rare acquirement in this region of 
country, at that time. His character is said to be well ex- 
pressed in the following sentence inscribed on his tomb- 
stone : — " He was an able, faithful and devoted minister of 
the Lord Jesus Christ." The writer of his obituary in the 
Pittsburgh Recorder, says : " He was a warm, zealous, and 
evangelical preacher. For some years before his death, he 
appearrd be remarkably weaned from the world; he, in- 
deed, lived above the world. His whole heart and soul was 
absorbed in the love of God, and his whole aim was to 
promote the interests of the Redeemer's kingdom." 

He was father-in-law to Walter Lowrie, Esq., Corres- 
ponding Secretary of the Board of Foreign Missions of the 
Presbyterian Church, and grandfather to his sons, the Rev. 
John C. Lowrie, Assistant Secretary to the same Board, and 
formerly a missionary to Northern Lidia, and the Rev. 
Walter M. Lowrie, now a missionary in China. 



THE REV. JAMES FINLEY. 

[3.] The Rev. James Finley was born in the County 
of Armagh, in the province of Ulster, Ireland, February, 
1725. He was the son of eminently pious parents, of 
Scotch descent, and was brought to this country when he 



250 APPENDIX. 

was about nine years of age. His education was acquired 
under the Rev. Samuel Blair, who taught a classical and 
literary institution at New Londonderry, sometimes called 
Faggs' Manor, Pennsylvania. He was probably licensed 
by the New Side Presbytery of New Castle, by which he 
was ordained, A. D. 1752, and installed pastor of the con- 
gregation of East Nottingham, now known by the name of 
"the Rock." This was six years before the union of the 
Synods of New York and Philadelphia, which took piace 
1758. About two years after the union, the congregations 
of Elk and East Nottingham united in the support of Mr. 
Finley as their pastor. In these congregations he laboured 
with great fidelity until his removal to another iield. In 
the spring of the year 1782, at a meeting of the Presbytery 
held on the 23d day of April, he applied for a dismission 
from his congregations, with a view to remove to the West. 
So strongly were his people attached to him, that they re- 
sisted his application in a long and feeling remonstrance 
which induced the Presbytery to refuse his request. The 
Synod, however, to which he appealed, at their meeting in 
May following, dissolved the pastoral relation between him 
and his congregations, and directed the Presbytery to dis- 
miss him. Shortly after this — in 1783 — he removed to the 
West, although, for want of some explanations, which were 
afterwards given to the entire satisfaction of the Presbytery, 
his dismission was not finally granted until April 26, 1785, 
While the question respecting his dismission wag pend- 
ing, it appears from the records of the Presbytery of Red- 



APPENDIX. 251 

Stone, that he was present as a corresponding member at 
some of its meetings in 1783 and 1784, and in the winter 
and spring of 1785. And on the 21st of June of that year, 
he was received and became a member of that Presbytery. 
It appears, moreover, that as early as the fall of 1784, he 
held in his hand a call from the united congregations of 
Rehoboth and Round Hill. Of these congregations, as soon 
as he obtained his dismission from the New Castle Presby- 
tery and was received by that of Redstone, he became the 
pastor, and continued to serve them until the time of his 
death, which occurred January 6th, 1795. 

Mr. Finley, according to the statement of his son, William 
Finley, Esq., of Rehoboth, first crossed the Allegheny 
Mountains into Western Pennsylvania, in the year 1765, 
and was the first Presbyterian minister, and probably the 
first regular minister of any religious denomination, who 
visited this part of the State, except in connection with the 
army. The Rev. Dr. Francis Alison accompanied Col. J. 
Burd, as chaplain, in 1759, when sent by Col. Bouquet to 
continue the cutting of Braddock's road to the mouth of 
Redstone Creek. His labours, however, were confined to 
the army, and he did not visit any of the churches. — (Day's 
Hist. Col. Penn'a, p. 336.) On Mr. Finley's first visit he 
was accompanied by a Mr. Tanner, who was one of his 
Elders, and father-in-law to the Rev. Dr. Power. They 
had to lie out in the open air for several successive nights 
on their journey, the country, among the mountains, being 
without inhabitants, for a distance of seventy or eighty 



252 APPENDIX. 

miles together. His second visit was in 1767. His third 
was in 1771, when he came by appointment of the Synod 
of New York and Philadelphia, to spend two months as a 
missionary in the West. Again, in 1772, he came over the 
mountains, bringing with him his eldest son, Ebenezer, 
then a lad of fourteen years of age, whom he placed on a 
farm which he had purchased, and on which he still lives, 
at the advanced age of almost ninety years. Another of 
his sons and a married daughter removed to the same neigh- 
bourhood, not long afterwards. And, during the period that 
intervened from 1765, the time of his first visit, to 1783, the 
time of his removal, as many as thirty-four families, con- 
sisting chiefly of young married persons, connected with 
his congregation, emigrated to Western Pennsylvania, and 
settled within an area, the extreme boundaries of which 
were not more than thirty miles from each other. 

The settlement of several of his children in Western Penn- 
sylvania, and the removal of so many of the people of his 
congregation to that region, excited in Mr. Finley a strong 
desire to take up his abode among them. He foresaw that 
all his children would probably remove thither, and he 
deemed it important that he should be with them. He be- 
lieved, moreover, that his own usefulness and the spiritual 
interests of his family would be promoted by such a step. 
He had become familiar with the country, having visited it 
every second year, from the time of his son's settlement there 
until that of his own removal thither. Hence, he was led to 
think it his duty to remove to the west, and not because he 



felt any dissatisfaction with the people of his former charge, 
or because they did not afford him an adequate and comfort- 
able support. 

Of the thirty-four heads of families above referred to, who 
emigrated from his congregation, twenty- two became Ruling 
Elders in different churches, at their first organization, in 
Western Pennsylvania. Among the&e were Judges Allison 
and M'Dowell and James Bradford of Chartiers. Henry 
Graham, (grandfather of the Rjv. Ebenezer S. Graham de- 
ceased) Robert Barr, and Jaiuos and Samuel Fleming of 
Cross Creek. John Wright, Robert Moore, and John Power, 
of Rehoboth. John Allen and Samuel Finley of Laurel Hill, 
etc. Of his own sons, Ebenezer hi.s eldest, already men- 
tioned, is a Ruling Elder in the church of Dunlap's Creek, 
and Joseph, Mic ael, and William, all hold the same office 
in the church of Rehoboth. To the last named of these gen- 
tlemen, we are indebted for most of these particulars respect- 
ing his father's removal to the AVest. 

Mr. Finley is reported to have been a man of mediocrity 
of talent, of emin:nt piety, and an excellent pastor. He was 
much among the people of his charge, visiting and teaching 
from house to house. He thus rendered himself highly accept- 
able and useful, and the people of his congregation were strong- 
ly attached to him. Of this we have had evidence in their 
earnest resistance to his removal. The Rev. Dr. Samuel Fin- 
ley, the distinguished successor of Mr. Davies in the Presi- 
dency of the Cnjlege of New Jersey, was his brother: and 
21 



254 APPENDIX. 

the Rev. Robert M. Finley of the Presbytery of Redstone, 
is his graadson. 



THE REV. JOHN BOYD. 

[4.] The Rev. John Boyd was a native of Ireland. 
When he was about five years of age, his father emigrated 
to this country, and having settled within the bounds of the 
congregation of Salem in Westmoreland county, Pennsylva- 
nia, became a Ruling Elder in that church. Of his four sons 
who became ministers of the gospel, John was the eldest. 
He acquired his education and studied Theology under the 
Rev. John McPherrin, and was licensed by the Presbytery 
of Redstone. Having been regularly dismissed by that Pres- 
bytery, he was received, as a licentiate, by the Presbytery of 
Erie at its first meeting, at Mount Pleasant, April 13th, 1802. 
A «all was presented to him by the united churches of Union 
and Slate Lick, which he accepted, and he was ordained and 
installed their pastor, on the 16lh of June of the same year. 
By consent of his Presbytery, he resigned the pastoral charge 
of Slate Lick, April 17th, 1810 ; and probably soon afterward 
that of Union, as in August of that year, he was reported, 
"without charge." For a short time, he appears to have 
acted as a stated supply to the congregations of West Liberty 



APPENDIX. 255 

and Amity, but in the fall of 1810 he ceased to preach to 
them, on account of ill health ; and at a meeting of Presby- 
tery on the 4th of October, he was dismissed to the Presby- 
tery of New Lancaster. Shortly after his dismission he re- 
moved to Ohio. His name appears on the minutes of the 
Assembly, as a missionary at different times, and in differ- 
ent places. He departed this life at Indian Creek, near 
Hamilton, Ohio, August 20th, 1816, in the forty-eighth year 
of his age. "Just before his departure," says the writer of 
his Obituary in the Weekly Recorder, "he was blessed with 
a transporting view of the excellence of the gospel." 



THE REV. JAMES BOYD. 

[5.] The Rev. James Boyd was born in Westmoreland 
county, Pennsylvania, within the bounds of the congregation 
of Salem. He was educated at Canonsburgh, and studied 
Theology with Dr. M'Millan: was licensed by the Presbytery 
of Erie, April 22d, 1807, and ordained and installed, by the 
same Presbytery, pastor of the congregations of Newtown and 
Warren, October 19th, 1808. On the next day, he was dis- 
missed to the Presbytery of Hartford, (now Beaver) which 
had been erected that fall by the Synod of Pittsburgh. He 



256 APPENDIX. 

died March 8th, 1813, in the thirty-ninth year of his age, 
having been about six years in the ministry. 

The other two brothers, Abraham and Benjamin, are still 
living. Abraham is a member of the Allegheny Presbytery^ 
to which he belonged at the time of its organization in 1820. 
Benjamin is a member of the Presbytery of Ebenezer. 



THE REV. WILLIAM MOREHEAD. 

[6.] The Rev. William Morehead was born in Cum- 
berland county, Pennsylvania, about the year 1772 or '73* 
Having removed with his father's family to Westmoreland co., 
he commenced his education under the Rev. John M'Pher- 
rin, at the same time with John Boyd and others, and com- 
pleted it at Canonsburgh Academy. His theological studies 
were prosecuted under the diriM tion of Dr. M'Millan, and 
he was licensed by the Presbytery of Redstoiie, April 8th, 
1800. His health failing him, he was unable to take charge 
of a congregation, and was consequently never ordained.* 
He sought to repair his health by travelling, but the result 
was unfavourable, and he died November 30th, 1802. He 
was married to Jane, the eldest daughter of the Rev. Dr. 
M'Millan, and ended his earthly course on the same day 
with his brother-in-law — the Rev. John Watson. One who 
was intimately acquainted with him says, "He was a young 
man of much promise, and gready respected." 



APPENDIX. 257 

THE REV. GEORGE HILL. 

[7] The Rev. George Hill was born in York county. 
Pennsylvania, March 13th, 1764. When about nineteen 
years of age, he removed, with his father and family, to 
Fayette county, and settled within the bounds of the con- 
gregation of George's Creek. His literary studies were 
prosecuted chiefly, if not entirely, under the direction of 
the Rev. James Dunlap, [8.] pastor of Laurel Hill and 
Dunlap's Creek congregations. It is affirmed by some aged 
persons yet living, that he studied Theology under the Rev. 
Jacob Jennings, [9.] which is probably correct. He entered 
the Presbytery of Redstone as a candidate for the ministry, 
April 23d, 1790, and was licensed December 22d, 1791, at 
the church of Bethel, in Indian?, county, where the Rev. 
Joseph W. Henderson [10.] was afterward setded. At 
the next spring meeting of the Presbytery, calls were pre- 
sented for his pastoral labours from the united congregations 
of Fairfield, Donegal and Wheatfield, and from Mill Creek 
and King's Creek. The former he accepted, and was or- 
dained and installed their pastor on the 13th of November, 
1792. On the 11th of April, 1798, he resigned his charge 
of Wheatfield, and a new congregation called Ligonier hav- 
ing been formed between Fairfield and Donegal, he continued 
to labour in these three last named churches until the time 
of his death, which took place June 9th, 1822. 

Mr. Hill is reported to have been a faithful and laborious 
pastor, and to have exposed iiimself frequendy to conside- 



258 APPENDIX. 

rable danger in fulfilling his engagements on the Sabbath. 
Having to cross the Conemaugh in going to one of his places 
of preaching, he has been known, in time of high water, to 
swim the river on horseback, preach in his wet clothes, re- 
cross the river and return to his own house — a distance 
of ten miles — on the same day. Such, however, was the 
vigour of his constitution, that he suffered no injury from it. 
He was a man of great sensibility, exceedingly modest and 
humble in his deportment. When duly required, however, 
that he should take decided ground, and appear in defence 
of the truth, he showed himself to be equal to the crisis, 
and displayed much firmness of character, as well as acute- 
ness of intellect. 

Although during most of his life he bad enjoyed ex- 
cellent health, in his last illness he suffered much. But in 
this extremity, his Christian princi])les did not forsake him. 
To those around him he said, " I have learned whatever is 
my Heavenly Father's will, therewith to be content." And, 
almost the last words which he spoke were, " I know in 
whom I have believed." The Rev. George Hill, of the 
Presbytery of Blairsville, is his grandson. 



THE REV. JAMES DUNLAP, D. D. 

[8.] The Rev. James Dunlap, D. D., was a native of 
Chester county, Pennsylvania, and was graduated at the 
College of New Jersey, A. D. 1773, He studied Divinity 



APPENDIX. 259 

with the Rev. James Finley, of East Nottingham, and was 
licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Donegal, 
sometime between 1776 and 1781, (Printed Records, p. 491.) 
He was ordained, sine titulo, by the Presbytery of New 
Castle, August 21st, 1781, at Fagg's Manor, and shortly 
afterwards removed to Western Pennsylvania, where he 
became a member of the Presbytery of Redstone, and set- 
tled in the congregations of Laurel Hill and Dunlap's Creek, 
of which he was installed the pastor, October 15th, 1782. 
His connection with the latter congregation was dissolved 
April 22d, 1789, and with the former, June 29th, 1803, 
when he was dismissed to connect himself with the Pres- 
bytery of Ohio. It was in this year (1803) that he became 
the President of Jefferson College, Canonsburgh, which 
station he held until 1811. During that period (A. D. 1807) 
the Board of Trustees conferred on him*the degree of Doctor 
of Divinity. In connection with his labours in the College, 
he preached to the congregation of Miller's Run, and finally 
resigned his charge of it on account of growing infirmities, 
and inability to discharge to them the duties of a pastor. 
In October, 1813, he again became a member of the Pres- 
bytery of Redstone, having removed within their bounds, 
and in October, 1816, was dismissed to connect with the 
Presbytery of Philadelphia. About the same time, he re- 
moved to Abingdon, near Philadelphia — where his son, the 
Rev. William Dunlap, resided — and where he died, No- 
vember 22, 1818, in the seventy-fifth year of his age. He 
is represented to have been a very pious man and a fine 



260 APPENDIX. 

scholar. He was especially distinguished for his accurate 
attainments in classical literature. His eldest daughter was 
married to the Rev. Stephen Boyer, of the Presbytery of 
New Castle. 



THE REV. JACOB JENNINGS. 

[9.] The Rev. Jacob Jennings was born in Somerset 
county, New Jersey, in the year 1744. He was a descend- 
ant of one of the pilgrims who settled at Plymouth, Massa- 
chusetts. Of the place of his education, we are not informed. 
He early studied medicine and commenced its practice in a 
small village near Elizabethtown, New Jersey. After some 
time, he removed thence to Readington township, Hunterdon 
county, where he continued in the practice of his profession, 
with considerable reputation for many years. When he 
was about forty years of age, and after he had been a medi- 
cal practitioner for upwards of twenty, he turned his atten- 
tion to Theology, and was licensed to preach the gospel. 
From the fact that when he first came to Western Pennsyl- 
vania, he was a member of the Synod of tlie Dutch Reformed 
church of New York and New Jersey, the presumption is, 
that he was licensed and ordained in that connection. He 
came to Pennsylvania about the year 1791, as in December 



APPENDIX. 261 

of that year, he sat as a corresponding member of the Pres- 
bytery of Redstone, and was received to full membership by 
that body on the 17tii of April, 1792. For several years 
previous lo his arrival in Pennsylvania, he had resided in 
Virginia, to which State he had removed soon after his licen- 
sure. He accepted a call from the congregation of Dunlap's 
Creek, in Fayette county, Pennsylvania, and continued pas- 
tor of said church until June 1811, when, on account of his 
increased infirmities, he asked and obtained a dissolution of 
the pastoral relation. He died February 17th, 1813. He 
was father of the late Rev. Obadiah Jennings, D. D., and of 
the Rev. Samuel K. Jennings, M. D., a highly respectable 
minister in the Methodist Protestant church, and for some 
time a Professor in the Washington Medical College in Bal- 
timore. Two of his grandsons, also, are ministers — the 
Rev. Samuel C. Jennings of the Presbytery of Ohio, and the 
Rev. Jacob Jennings — son of the Rev. Samuel K. Jennings 
above mentioned — who is a minister in the same ecclesiasti- 
cal connection with his father. 



THE REV. JOSEPH W. HENDERSON. 

[10.] The Rev. Joseph Washington Henderson was 

a native of Franklin county, Pennsylvania. He was grad- 
uated at the College of New Jersey in 1776, and was licen- 
sed by the Presbytery of Donegal, June 16ih, 1779. On the 



262 APPENDIX. 

20th of October following, he received a call from the con- 
gregation of Hanover, which he declined. Another call was 
presented to him, on the 21st of June, 1780, from the con- 
gregation of Conewago; and again, on the 17th of October 
of the same year, he received a call from the united congre- 
gations of East Pennsborough and Monaghan. In each of 
these calls, the salary promised was to be paid in wheat. 
He accepted the call from Conewago, and was ordained and 
installed their pastor, June 20th, 1781. When the Presby- 
tery of Carlisle was erected in 1780, he was one of its ori- 
ginal members. 

On the 15th of April, 1795, in consequence of his con- 
gregation failing to meet their engagements with regard to 
salary, he asked leave to resign his pastoral charge. With 
a view to ascertain the facts, the Presbytery appointed a com- 
mittee consisting of Messrs. Black [11] and Paxton, upon 
the report of which committee, his request for a dissolution 
of his connection with the congregation was granted. Shortly 
after this, having obtained leave from the Presbytery, he tra- 
velled westward as far as Kentucky, where he laboured for 
sometime. On his return, he preached one or two Sabbaths 
in the congregations of Bethel and Ebenezer, within the 
bounds of the Presbytery of Redstone, but without any view 
to settlement, as his {)urpose was to settle in Kentucky. 
Having reached his home in York county, he made applica- 
tion at the next meeting of the Presbytery of Carlisle, and 
received a dismission, on the 11th of April, 1798, to connect 
with that of Redstone, and about the same time set out with 



APPENDIX. 263 

his family for the West. On his arrival in Westmoreland 
county, he stopped in the congregations of Bethel and Ebe- 
nezer where he had preached on his journey Eastward. So 
urgent were the people of these congregations that he should 
remain with tliem, that he consented to supply them for a 
year. Before the close of the year, a call was prepared^ 
and put into his hands on the 9th of April, 1799, at the same 
meeting of the Presbytery of Redstone at which he was re- 
ceived as a member. Of this call he declared his acceptance, 
and became the settled pastor of these churches, although he 
was never formally installed. 

At the time of his setdement, he was the only Presbyterian 
minister in that part of W^estmoreland, which is now inclu- 
ded in Indiana county. His charge was extensive, and the 
country being new, he was often subjected to much exposure, 
and had to endure many hardships in the fulfilment of his pas- 
toral duties. But, although his constitution was weak and his 
health delicate, by a rigid attention to the rules of temper- 
ance, he was enabled by the grace of God, to labour success- 
fully among the people of his charge for more than twenty- 
five years. He was finally obliged, however, at the expira- 
tion of that period, and about twelve years before his death, 
to relinquish his connection with the people of his pastoral 
charge, in consequence of the loss of his voice, by which he 
was disabled from preaching. When the Presbytery of 
Blairsville was erected by the Synod in 1830, he was one 
of its original members. He died at the place of his resi- 
dence in Indiana co., Sep. 9, 1836, in the 84th year of his age* 



264 APPENDIX. 

The following extract from an Obituary notice of him — 
written, as we have been informed, by the Rev. Robert 
Johnston — will show the estimation in which he was held, 
by those most familiar with his character and attainments. 

"The general opinion of those who were accustomed to 
hear him was, that his principal excellence appeared in the 
pulpit. Every thing like ostentation or display, he despised. 
Perspicuity, simplicity, precision, and comprehension of 
thought were the general characteristics of his sermons. 
His style and method are said, by those qualified to judge, 
very much to have resembled those of Dr. Witherspoon, 
under whose instructions his habits of thinking and waiting 
had been formed. As a man, whether at home or abroad, 
he was in a high degree companionable, easy of access, 
amiable in his disposition, a pattern of politeness, cheerful 
without levity, and always instructive in conversation. In a 
w^ord, his general deportment was tliat of the finished gentle- 
man and the humble christian. His hospitable mansion was 
always open for the accommodation of friends or strangers, 
and his benevolent h^ art could never say to the needy "de- 
part in peace, be ye warmed and iilled," without imparting 
such things as were needful. He was the decided friend of 
all the benevolent operations of the day, and their liberal 
patron, in proportion to the means which he possessed. He 
had no desire to be rich in this world's goods, and never 
possessed more than a competency, and of the little that was 
left for the supjiori of his declining years, he bequeathed, in 
his will. Fifty dollars to the cause of missions. A few 



AfPEXDlX. 265 

months previous to his death, he sent for the writer and told 
him of the bequest, and that liaving lived longer than he ex- 
pected, he began to fear that he might live to see the end of 
his funds, and as he had given that 3um to the Lord, he felt 
that it was not his own, and desired me to receive it, and 
give one-half of it to each of the Boards of Missions, which 
was accordingly done. He was a zealous friend and advo- 
cate of the cause of Temperance, and both by precept and 
example inculcated the principle of entire abstinence, long 
before a temperance society was formed. He continued to 
the last to manifest a deep interest in the purity, prosperity 
and peace of the church; and he viewed with painful 
solicitude the progress of error, and the consequent divisions, 
jealousies and unhallowed contentions, which were rending 
the church into parlies, and holding her up as a reproach to 
the enemy." 

The curious reader will be gratified with the subjoined 
transcript of the original certificate of his graduation, over 
the signature of President Witherspoon: 

"These testify that the bearer, Joseph Washington Hen- 
derson, has resided in this College for two years preceding 
this date, behaving himself regularly, that he applied him- 
self to his studies with diligence and success, was examined 
for admission to the Degree of Bachelor of Arts and ap- 
proved, and is entitled to that standing from this time. In 
witness whereof the above is written and subscribed at 
Princeton, September 26, 1776, by 

John Witherspoon." 
22 



266 APPENDIX. 



It is said that the cognomen — Washington — was con- 
ferred upon him at College, on account of some peculiar 
excellence which he possessed. 



THE REV. JOHN BLACK. 

[11.] The Rev. John Black was a native of South 
Carolina, and was graduated at the College of New Jersey 
in September, 1771, having entered the Junior Class half- 
advanced in May of the preceding year. He was licensed 
to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Donegal, October 
14th, 1773, and on the 22d of June, 1774, a call was pre- 
sented to Presbytery for his ministerial labours, from the 
congregation of Upper Marsh Creek, in York county. 
The next fall, a call was prepared for him by the united 
congregations of Shearman's Valley, which he subsequently 
declined, when presented. Having accepted the call from 
Upper Marsh Creek, he was ordained and installed the 
pastor of that church, August 15th, 1775. In 1786, he was 
set off, with others, to form the Presbytery of Carlisle. 

Some difficulties having arisen in his congregation, he 
applied to the Presbytery, on the 10th of April, 1792, to 
have the pastoral relation dissolved. The Presbytery, after 
taking the necessary steps to have the congregation before 



APPENDIX. 267 

them at their next meeting, adjourned to meet at Upper 
Marsh Creek on the 6th day of June following. At that 
meeting, the parties were present, and after some conference 
between them, Mr. Black informed the Presbytery that "he 
had obtained such satisfaction as induced him to ask per- 
mission to withdraw his application for leave to resign 
his pastoral charge." This request, the Presbytery "most 
cordially granted." On the 5th of December, 1793, how- 
ever, he renewed his application to be released from his 
pastoral charge, which was granted at a subsequent meeting 
of the Presbytery on the 10th of April, 1794. 

From the time of his dismission from his pastoral charge, 
until the year 1800, he exercised his ministry chiefly in a 
congregation of the Dutch Reformed Church, near to Hun- 
terstown, in Adams county. His labours to them were 
very acceptable and useful, and he has been heard to say, 
that among that plain people, he experienced more pleasure, 
as a pastor, than in any former part of his ministry. He 
there found a docility — freedom of spiritual communion, and 
confiding attachment, by which they were greatly endeared 
to him. With the reasons which induced him to leave 
them and remove to the West, we arc not acquainted. But 
on the 9th of October, 1800, he obtained a dismission from 
Carlisle Presbytery to connect himself with that of Redstone. 
With this latter Presbytery he was present as a corres- 
ponding member on the 21st of that same month, and upon 
the application of commissioners from the congregations of 
Unity and Greensburg, in which the Rev. William Speer 



268 APPENDIX. 

[12] afterwards settled, was appointed a stated supply to 
these congregations. He was, moreover, received as a 
member of the Presbytery of Redstone on the 24th of De- 
cember, and continued as a stated supply to the congre- 
gations above named, until April 22d, 1802, when he 
declined serving them any longer, and obtained leave to 
travel without the bounds of the Presbytery. It was but a 
short time, however, until he was called to his final reward. 
He died, August 16th, 1802, in the triumphant exercise of 
faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. On his death-bed, he re- 
quested his friends to sing the 17th Psalm, long metre, in 
Watts' version, "Lord, I am thine," die. While they were 
engaged in this exercise, he united with them in a manner 
which showed how fully his feelings were in harmony with 
the sentiments contained in this beautiful psahn. 

He was a man of a high order of talent, an able disputant, 
and fond of metaphysical disquisitions. He published a 
discourse in favour of a New Testament Psalmody and in 
reply to the Rev. Dr. Anderson of the Associate Church, 
which is said to have been written with much ability. 

The Rev. John Black, D. D., deceased, late pastor of the 
Fifth Presbyterian Church, (N. S.) Pittsburgh, who died in 
Allegheny city, February 13th, 1847, was his grandson. 



APPENDIX. 269 

THE REV. WILLIAM SPEER. 

[12.] The Rev. William Speer was born at Lower 
Marsh Creek, in York, now Adams county, Pennsylvania. 
He was graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, A. D. 
1788, during the Presidency of the Rev. Dr. Nisbet, with 
whom he also studied Theology. He was licensed by the 
Presbytery of Carlisle, June 22d, 1791, and was permitted, 
at his request, to spend some time within the bounds of the 
Presbytery of New York. While in that region, he preach- 
ed, for a limited period, as an assistant to the venerable Dr. 
Rodgers of New York city. The congregation of Platts- 
borough, presented a call for his pastoral labours, Dec. 4th, 
1793, which he declined. Upon his return to his own Pres- 
bytery, he received and accepted a call from the congrega- 
tion of Falling Spring, at Chambersburgh, and was ordain- 
ed and installed pastor of the same, October 8th, 1794. Of 
that congregation he remained in charge until April 12th, 
1797, when the pastoral relation was dissolved by mutual 
consent. The cause of their separation is understood to 
have been a diversity of views in regard to the administra- 
tion of discipline. Mr. Speer's views were more strict than 
those of his congregation, whose unwillingness to acquiesce 
led to a dissolution of the pastoral relation. On the 5lh of 
October following he was dismissed to connect himself with 
the Presbytery of Transylvania, by which he was received 
in 1798, having accepted a call to Chillicothe, Ohio. In this 

latter place he laboured for several years. During that pe- 
22* 



270 APPENDIX. 

riod — March 27lh, 1799 — the Presbytery of Transylvania 
was divided into three Presbyteries, viz : Transylvania^ 
West Lexington, and Washington. Mr. Speer fell within 
the bounds of Washington, and was one of its original mem- 
bers. (Hist. Pres. Church in Kentucky, pp. 128, 129.) 
From ChilHcothe he came to Western Pennsylvania, and 
was present at a meeting of the Presbytery of Redstone, 
October 19th, 1802, as a corresponding member. On the 
19th of April, 1803, he was received by that Presbytery as 
a member, and accepted a call, which was presented to him 
from the congregations of Unity and Greensburgh, and be- 
came their pastor. In these congregations he continued to 
labour with much acceptance until the time of his decease, 
which occurred April 26th, 1829, in the 65th year of his 
age. He died at the house of his son-in-law, the Rev. Dr. 
A. O. Patterson, in Mount Pleasant, Westmoreland county, 
and was buried along side of the Rev. Dr. Power, in the 
grave yard belonging to the congregation of Mount Pleasant. 
Mr. Speer was regarded with great respect by the people 
of his congregation. He was a man of highly respectable 
talents — a sensible, instructive, and evangelical preacher. 
His. method of treating his subjects was sometimes too pio> 
found and abstruse for those whose minds were not discip- 
lined to thought. But, by the more intelligent, he was viewed 
as a very profitable preacher. When among strangers, he 
was stately and reserved in his manners: but among his in- 
timate acquaintances, he was cheerful and companionable in 
a high degree. He had a high standing in the judicatories 



APPENDIX. 271 



of the church, as a judicious and sagacious counsellor. He 
was grandfather to the Rev. William Speer, now a missiona- 
ry of the Presbyterian church in China. 



THE REV. JOHN M'MILLAN, D. D. 

[13.] The Rev. Joh.n M'Millan, D. D. was born in 
Faggs Manor, Chester county, Pennsylvania, November 
11th, 1752. He commenced his course of classical studies 
under the Rev. John Blair, but completed it under the Rev. 
Dr. Robert Smith of Pequea. He entered the College of 
New Jersey in the Spring of 1770, and was graduated in 
the fall of 1772. His Theological studies were prosecuted 
under the direction of the Rev. Dr. Smith, with whom he 
had studied the Languages. On the 26th of October, 1774, 
he was licensed by the Presbytery of New Castle, at East 
Nottingham. The succeeding winter he spent in itinerant 
labours within the bounds of the New Castle and Donegal 
Presbyteries. During the early part of the summer of 1775, 
he made a tour through the settlements between the North 
and South mountains in Virginia. Thence, in July of the 
same year, he crossed the Allegheny mountains for the first 
time, and on the fourth Sabbath of August first preached at 
Chartiers, and on the Tuesday following at Pigeon Creek, 



272 APPENDIX. 

in Washington county, Pennsylvania. His labours during 
this tour appear to have been very acceptable, both in Vir- 
ginia and Western Pennsylvania: for on his return home, at 
the meeting of his Presbytery, October 24th, 1775, earnest 
supplications were presented for his service? as a supply 
from the congregations of Chartiers and Pigeon Creek, and 
from those of North mountain and Brown's meeting house, 
and from Hanover. What encouragement he gave to these 
applications severally is not known. But, the Presbytery, 
after giving him a few appointments, during the month of 
November, near home, directed him to supply "the rest of 
the time until the Spring Presbytery in Augusta and West- 
moreland counties." Although he visited Augusta, accord- 
ino- to this appointment, he did not remain there long, for he 
again crossed the mountains in January, 1776, and preached 
to the congregations of Chartiers and Pigeon Creek until the 
latter end of March, when he returned home and met his 
Presbytery on the 23d of April. At that meeting, he 
accepted the call which was presented from the congregations 
of Chartiers and Pigeon Creek, and was dismissed to con- 
nect himself with the Presbytery of Donegal, which was 
then the most Western Presbytery. By that Presbytery, 
he was ordained at Chambersburgh, Pennsylvania, June 19, 
1776, in reference to the pastoral care of the churches, whose 
call he had accepted. But, on account of the unsettled state 
of the country and the exposure of the frontier settlements 
to the hostile incursions of the Indians, he did not remove 
his family to the West, until the fall of 1778. He himself 



APPEXDIX. 273 

however, in the mean time, visited his congregations as often 
as practicable, ordained Elders, baptized their children, and 
performed such other acts of pastoral labour, as circumstan- 
ces would permit. 

Dr. M'Millan was the first minister who settled as a 
pastor west of the Allegheny mountains. He was one of 
the original members of the Presbytery of Redstone, and 
its first Moderator, as appears from the following extract 
from the records of that Presbytery, containing the minute 
of its lirst meeting and organization. The Presbyterial 
record embraces the action of the Synod as well as their own: 

" At a meeting of the Synod of New York and Phila- 
delphia, held at Philadelphia the 16th of May, 1781, the 
Rev. Messrs. Joseph Smith, John M'Millan, James Power, 
[14] and Thaddeus Dodd, having requested to be erected 
into a separate Presbytery, to be known by the name of the 
Presbytery of Redstone, the Synod grant their request, and 
appoint their first meeting to be held at Laurel Hill church 
the 3d Wednesday of September next, at 11 o'clock, A. M. 

"Wednesday, Sept. 19th, 1781. — The Presbytery met 
according to the appointment of the Rev. Synod of New 
York and Philadelphia, at Pigeon Creek, as the circum- 
stances of some of the members, by reason of the incursions 
of the savages, rendered it impracticable for them to attend 
at Laurel Hill : U. P. P. S. the Rev. Messrs. John M'Mil- 
lan, James Power, and Thaddeus Dodd; Elders, John Neil, 
Demas Lindley, and Patrick Scott. Absent, the Rev. Jo- 
seph Smith, 



274 APPENDIX. 

" The Presbytery was opened by Mr. Dodd with a ser^ 
mon from Job 42:5,6. The Presbytery then proceeded to 
the choice of a Moderator and Clerk ; — whereupon, Mr. 
M'MiUan was chosen Moderator, and Mr. Power Clerk for 
the ensuing year." — Records of the Presb. of Redstone, 
Vol. I. page 1. 

He continued a member of the Presbytery of Redstone 
for twelve years, when, with several others, he was dis- 
missed on the 18th of October, 1793, to form the Presbytery 
of Ohio, the erection of which had been authorized by the 
Synod of Virginia, at their sessions in September of that 
year. Of the Ohio Presbytery, he remained a member until 
the time of his death. He was the Moderator of the Synod 
of Virginia, at their sessions in October, 1791 ; and in 1807 
had the degree of Doctor of Divinity conferred upon him 
by the Trustees of Jefferson College, Pennsylvania. He 
died, after a short illness, November 16th, 1833. 

It is not designed, in this brief note, to draw his character. 
He has been deservedly recognized as "the Apostle of the 
West" — and his zeal and influence in the cause of evan- 
gelical religion, and that of sound literary and theological 
education, and his eminent success in winning souls to 
Christ, have made his memory precious to the churches 
throughout this region of country. A biography of him 
was successfully begun some time ago, by a competent 
hand. Why hns it not been completed ? The labours of 
such a man, wfio acted so conspicuous a part in founding 
and nurturing the Presbyterian church in Western Penn- 



APPENDIX. 275 

sylvania, ought not to be permitted to pass away without 
a suitable memorial. 

The late Rev. Wm. M'Millan, D. D., who for several years 
was President of Jefferson College, and who died at New 
Athens, Ohio, April 11th, 1832, was his nephew. And, the 
late Rev. Messrs. William Morehead, John Watson, and 
Moses Allen, were his sons-in-law, having been married to 
his daughters. 



THE REV. JAMES POWER, D. D. 

[14.] The Rev. James Power, D. D. was born in 
Chester county, Pennsylvania. He was graduated at the 
College of New Jersey in the year 1766, and was licensed 
by the Presbytery of New Castle, June 24th, 1772, at Mill 
Creek. Feeble health had interrupted his studies and de- 
layed his licensure to that period. On the 23d of Decem- 
ber following, leave was granted him by his Presbytery "to 
take a journey into some parts of Virginia." This journey 
he evidently accomplished, as in August of the next year — 
1773 — he received a call from the united congregations of 
Highbridge, Cambridge, and Oxford, in Bottetourt county, 
Virginia. This call he did not accept, as subsequent events 
show. Whether he afterwards visited and supplied these 



276 APPENDIX. 

congregations for a season, is not known. But in the sum- 
mer of 1774 he crossed the Allegheny mountains, and spent 
three months in itinerant labours, preaching the gospel of 
Jesus Christ, in what are now AVestmoreland, Allegheny, 
Washington, and Fayette counties, Pennsylvania. This 
fact, the Rev. Thomas Hunt, his son-in-law, says he had re- 
peatedly from Dr. Power himself, while his memory was 
perfectly sound and unimpaired. John C. Plumer, Esq. of 
Westmoreland county, also, aflirms that he frequently heard 
his father and other aged persons speaking of Dr. Power 
having been in that region before he came with his family, 
and having preached at the place where the first Sewickly 
church was erected — that is, where the church of the Rev. 
Mr. Gaily now stands. 

At the expiration of this tour through Western Pennsyl- 
vania, he returned to the East, and preached as a stated 
supply for nearly two years, to a congregation in which the 
Rev. Dr. James Magraw afterwards laboured, probably 
West Nottingham, and at another place within the borders 
of Maryland. In the spring of 1776, however, he seems 
to have made up his mind to come to the West — for, on the 
23d of May, the Presbytery determined to ordain him sine 
titulo at their next meeting at Upper Octorara on the second 
Tuesday of August succeeding, " as he was about to remove 
to the Western parts of this province." That he was or- 
dained at the time appointed, there can be no reasonable 
doubt, although the minutes of that meeting of the Pres- 
bytery have been lost. It was but a few months after this 



APPENDIX. 27? 

that he removed with his family to Western Pennsylvania. 
In an obituary notice of his daughter Rebecca, who was 
married first to the Rev. David Smith, and after his death, 
to the Rev. Thomas Hunt, it is stated that she was born 
December 12th, 1776, about a month after her father had 
arrived within the bounds of what is now Dunlap's Creek 
congregation, and was the first child born in the family of a 
Presbyterian minister West of the Allegheny mountains. — 
(Presb. Adv. April 17, 1839.) This obituary, written, as 
we have learned, by Mr. Hunt, who was accurately informed 
as to the facts, fixes the date of his arrival with his family, 
to November, 1776. 

The foregoing facts and dates enable us to settle the ques- 
tion which has often been raised — whether Dr. M'Millan or 
Dr. Power came first to the West? From these, it appears 
that Dr. M'Millan was first ordained and settled as a pastor 
in Western Pennsylvania, but that Dr. Power paid the first 
visit, and first removed his family to this region of country. 
Mr. Finley and Dr. Alison, however, as stated in a former 
note, visited Western Pennsylvania, before either of them. 

From the time of his arrival in the West, in the fall of 
1776, until the spring of 1779, Dr. Power, according to the 
statements of some of his family connections, devoted his 
time to the work of supplying the destitute churches gen- 
erally, throughout the whole region of country around him 
— although he lived at Dunlap's Creek, and regarded that 
as the principal point of his labours— and it was not 

until the spring of 1779 that he became the regular pastor 
23 



2"/8 APPENDIX. 

of Mount Pleasant and Sewickly congregations. Accordiiig 
to others, he settled in these congregations immediately after 
his arrival in 1776. The former opinion, in the absence of 
all records, seems to be best sustained, and that v/hile en- 
gaged in those itinerant labours he probably organized Mount 
Pleasant, Sewickly, and other congregations in that part of 
the country. It will be recollected, that he was ordained 
sine titulo, and came to the West in November, 1776, with- 
out a call or invitation from any congregation, and that he 
fixed his family residence at Dunlap's Creek, near Browns- 
ville. There was not time, therefore, during that year, to 
make the requisite arrangements for his settlement over 
particular congregations ; although, from some evidence in 
our possession, he probably organized Sewickly, at least, 
very soon after his arrival in that neighbourhood. In ad- 
dition to his labours in his regular pastoral charge, it appears 
that he preached for some time, as a stated supply, to the 
congregation of Unity. Of the united congregations of 
Mount Pleasant and Sewickly he continued the pastor until 
August 22d, 1787, when a dissolution of the connection be- 
tween him and Sewickly took place. But, he remained in 
charge of Mount Pleasant until April 15th, 1817, when, at 
his request, and on account of advanced age and infirmity, 
the pastoral relation between him and them was dissolved. 
He died, August 5th, 1830, in the eighty-fifth year of his age. 
The following extract of a letter from Col. James Smith, 
dated Jacob's Creek, September 8th, 1785, and addressed to 
his sister in Franklin county, bears very favourable testi- 



APPENDIX. 279 

mony to the ministerial character of Dr. Power, and shows 
tlie progress which the gospel had made in that part of the 
country, at the time in which it was written. Col. Smith 
was a man of vigorous intellect and decided piety, who 
had, doubtless, been profited by Mr. Power's ministry. He 
says : — " We have half of Mr. Power's labours here. I 
think that he is a faithful and able minister of the gospel, 
especially for reclaiming backsliders, and for encouraging 
believers to continue steadfast in the Christian race. I have 
reason to bless God that he has ever been sent among us. 
I have had some happy days since I wrote you last. We 
had the sacrament of the Lord's Supper administered to us 
last Sabbath. We have a considerable number of appa- 
rently pious ministers in this Western part of the world, 
where we lately heard nothing but the yells of savages and 
wolves, etc. ; but, now we have the Word of God, with 
peace and plenty, and we have the ordinances of God's 
house duly administered : and I not only enjoy the external 
means of grace, but I have likewise an ear to hear the 
voice of the Eternal Son of God — so that I may jusdy say, 
the lines are fallen to me in pleasant places, I have a goodly 
heritage." 

Dr. Power appears to have been an excellent man and a 
useful minister, of a remarkably mild disposition, and uni- 
form deportment. He was a graceful speaker and polished 
gentleman, neat and exact in his dress and habits, and 
courteous in his manners. He had a remarkable faculty for 
retaining the knowledge of names and faces. The Trustees 



280 APPENDIX. 

of Jefferson College testified their respect for him, by con- 
ferring on him the Degree of Doctor of Divinity, A. D. 
1808. Besides the daughter already mentioned, he had 
two other daughters married to ministers — one to the Rev. 
William Swan, [15] and one to the Rev. Thomas Moore. 



THE REV. WILLIAM SWAN. 

[15.] The Rev. William Swan was a native of Cum- 
berland, now Franklin county, Pennsylvania, and was edu- 
cated at Canonsburgh Academy. He was licensed to preach 
the gospel by the Presbytery of Redstone, on the same day 
with the Rev. George Hill— December 22d, 1791. His la- 
bours were much in demand, as appears from the fact, that 
at a meeting of his Presbytery — October 16th, 1792 — he 
had calls presented to him from the congregations of ]Mingo 
Creek and Horse Shoe Bottom, Bethel and Ebenezer or 
Black Lick, Long Run and Sevvickly, Kings Creek and Mill 
Creek The call from Long Run and Sewickly was finally 
accepted, at a meeting of Presbytery, held on the 17th of 
April, 1793, and on the 16lh of October following, he was 
ordained and installed pastor of these united congregations. 
Here he laboured for a period of twenty-five years. In the 
year 1804, and for some years afterwards, his congregations 



APPENDIX. 281 

were visited with special outpourings of the Spirit of God, 
during the great revival and considerable numbers were ad- 
ded to the church. On the 18th of October, 1818, he asked, 
and obtained leave to resign the pastoral charge of his con- 
gregations. But, in the Spring following — April 20th, 1819 
— he was recalled to Long Run, and having accepted the 
call, was installed again, during the summer, as the pastor 
of that church. Al\er labouring among this people for an 
additional period of three years, with declining health, the 
pastoral relation was, at his request, finally dissolved April 
17th, 1822. His health continued to decline, under the slow 
progress of pulmonary consumption, and on the 27th of No- 
vember, 1827, he fell asleep in Jesus, in the 63d year of his 
age. His last hours were peaceful and happy. 



THE REV. JOHN WATSON. 

[16.] The Rev. John Watson was a native of Western 

Pennsylvania, descended from poor, but respectable parents, 

both of whom died when he was about nine years of age, 

leaving him a helpless and dependant orphan. A friend ot 

his father's, who kept a tavern and retail store, received him 

into his family, and with a view to make him useful to him 

in his business, instructed him in writing and arithmetic. 
23* 



282 APPENDIX. 

He early discovered a fondness for reading, and sought io 
indulge his taste by the perusal of every book within his 
reach. As the lady of the house was a novel reader, and 
had many of this sort of books, she was obliged to keep her 
book case locked to prevent his access to them. When he 
was about eleven or twelve years of age, a copy of the Spec- 
tator fell into his hands, which he read with great delight. 
The Latin sentences prefixed to the various numbers, gave 
him much trouble, and excited within him an earnest desire 
to become acquainted with that language. The only means 
within his reach of attaining his object, was a copy of Ho- 
race and an old and mutilated Latin Dictionary. With these, 
however, he went to work, and by dmt of application, and 
without a teacher or a grammar, he acquired a considerable 
knowledge of that difiicult author. Many of the hours which 
others gave to sleep, he devoted to study. One night, the 
late Judge Addison — who lodged at the same Hotel — upon 
returning to his lodgings at a late hour, after the family had 
retired to rest, found young Watson diligently engaged in 
reading Horace by the liglit of the fire. Being much pleased 
and interested with the lad, Addison promised him, that on 
his return, at the next term of the court, he would furnish 
him witli more suitable books for the attainment of a know- 
ledge of the Latin. This promise was not forgotten by the 
Judge, but at the time fixed upon, he carried with him the 
books, and delivered them into tlie hands of his young ac- 
quaintance, who had been looking for them with much im- 
patience. His pleasure on receiving them was very great. 



APPENDIX, 283 

''Never/' said he, "did I expetience a more joyful moment." 
His studies being now greatly facilitated, he made rapid pro- 
gress. Although he continued his labours at the counter and 
in the bar room, he employed every leisure moment in the 
study of the classics, and finally became an accomplished 
Latin and Greek scholar. 

When nineteen years of age, through the influence of Dr. 
M'Millan, who had become acquainted with him, he was 
appointed Tutor in Canonsburgh Academy, in which situa- 
tion he remained about eighteen months. At the expiration 
of that period, he entered the College of New Jersey, where 
he was sustained, in part by Dr. M'Millan, and where he 
was graduated, A. D. 1797. He studied Theology with Dr. 
M'Millan, and was licensed by the Presbytery of Ohio, at 
Cross Creek, October 17th, 1798, and ordained at Miller's 
Run, June 26th, 1800. He was elected President of Jeffer- 
son College, xiugust 29th, 1802, and was the first President 
under the charter. He died November 30th, 1802, only 
three months after his accession to the Presidency. He was 
married to Margaret, the second daughter of Dr. M'Millan. 
By a remarkable coincidence, he and the Rev. William 
Morehead were married to sisters — by their father-in-law — 
on the same day — took aick on the same day — died on the 
same day, and were buried in the same grave, in the bi]jy- 
ing ground belonging to the congregation of Chartiers. Mr. 
Watson was a man of unusual endovvments. The Rev. Dr. 
John Rea, one of his pupils — to whom we are indebted for 
most of these facts, says: — "He possessed a mind pure, 



284 APPENDIX. 

vigorous, and enlightened. He could unfold his ideas to 
others in language simple, clear, forcible, and not unfrequently 
eloquent. He was amiable in his disposition, conciliating 
in his manners — of unblemished morals and real, unaflected 
piety. He was esteemed by all who knew him, and beloved 
by all his students, by many of whom, he will be cherished 
in remembrance, as long as memory remains." 



THE REV. JOSEPH STOCKTON. 

[17.] The Rev. Joseph Stockton was born near Cham- 
bersburgh, Franklin county, Pennsylvania, February 25th, 
1779. In the year 1784 he removed with his father's fam- 
ily to the vicinity of Washington, in Washington county. 
He prosecuted his classical and scientific course at Canons- 
burgh Academy, in which he Vv^as afterwards, for some time, 
an instructor. He studied Theology under the Rev. Dr. 
M'Millan, and was licensed to preach the gospel, by the 
Presbytery of Ohio, on the 2Gth day of June, 1799. Hav- 
ing received a call from the churches of Meadville and Su- 
gar Creek, he removed to Meadville in the fall of 1800, and 
on the 24th of June, 1801, was ordained and installed the 
pastor of these congregations. On this occasion, the Rev. 
Elisha Macurdy preached the sermon, and the Rev. Joseph 



APPENDIX. 285 

Patterson gave the charges to the pastor and people. Short- 
ly after this — October 2d. 1801 — the Presbytery of Erie 
was erected by the Synod of Virginia, and held its first meet- 
ing, on the 13th of April, 1802. Mr. Stockton was one of 
its original members. He coniinued the pastor of the above 
named congregations for the term of nine years, when, on 
the 27th of June, 1810, the pastoral relation between him 
and them was dissolved, and he was dismissed to the Pres- 
bytery of Redstone, from which he was transferred to that of 
Ohio, by the act of Synod in October, 1822. During his resi- 
dence at Meadville, he had charge of the Academy in that 
place, to which, in connection with his pastoral labours, he 
devoted a portion of his attention. 

Upon his leaving Meadville, he became the Principal of 
the Pittsburgh Academy, which was subsequently merged 
in the " Western University of Pennsylvania." This sta- 
tion he held until 1820. His labours, however, were not 
confined to the Academy, but, in the exercise of his minis- 
terial office, he preached a part of his time at Pine Creek, 
five or six miles from the city; a part of his time at the Gar- 
rison, and a part, in Allegheny, where he founded the First 
Presbyterian church. From 1820 to 1829, his labours were 
equally divided between Pine Creek and Allegheny. But, 
from 1829 to the time of his death, he preached the whole 
of his time at Pine Creek, which then included within its 
limits what is now the Sharpsburgh congregation. As evi- 
dence that his labours were owned of God, it may be stated 
that during the period of his ministrations at Pine Creek, 



^6 APPENDIX. 

one hiiudred and thirty-six persons were received into the 
communion of that church. He died of Cholera, October 
29, 1832, in the city of Baltimore, whither he had gone to 
visit a son who was lying- ill of fever. His body lies in 
the graveyard belonging to the First Presbyterian church of 
that city. At the approach of death he gave evidence that 
he enjoyed the consolations of religion, saying, "I feel that 
Christ is with me." 

He was a considerable scholar, and took a deep interest 
in the instruction of youth. Hence, during his connection 
with the Pittsburgh Academy, he published the "Western 
Spelling Book," and the "Western Calculator," both of 
which have been extensively used in schools in Western 
Pennsylvania. He was, also, one of the first Instructors in 
the Western Theological Seminary, and took an active part 
in securing its location at Allegheny. One of his sisters 
was married to the late Rev. John Brice, and another to 
the Kev. James Cunningham, of Richland Presbytery. 
The Rev. Joiin Stockton, D. D., of the Presbytery of 
Washington, is his nephew. 



THE REV. THOMAS MARQUIS, 

[18.] The Rev. Thomas Marquis was born at Opequ- 
hon, near Winchester, Virginia. Having lost both his pa- 
rents when a child, he was brought up in the family of a 



APPEXDIJv. '^b/ 

pious Uiicle. In the year 1775 he married, and with a num- 
ber of his friends removed to the vicinity of Cross Creek, 
Washington county, Pennsylvania, which was then an al- 
most unbroken wilderness. Shortly after their arrival they 
were called to mourn the loss of a brother of Mrs. Marquis 
— Mr. Park — who, close to their own dwelling, was toma- 
hawked and scalped by an Indian. For several years the 
hostile incursions of the Indians, obliged the inhabitants to 
take refuge in Forts. While thus assembled, through fear 
of the savages, God's Spirit was poured out upon them, and 
eight or ten persons, of whom My. Marquis was one, were 
hopefully converted. The principal instrument in this work 
was a pious farmer, afterw'ards well known in Western Penn- 
sylvania, as the Rev. Joseph Patterson of Racoon. Thus, 
in the midst of their trials, their hearts were made glad, by 
these tokens of the Divine presence. During this period, 
also, in the year 1778, they were favoured by a visit from 
the Rev. Dr. Power, who preached to them at Vance's Fort, 
on which occasion, Mr. and j\lrs. Marquis presented their 
hrst child to God in baptism. This wets the first sermon 
preached, and the first child baptized in that region of coun- 
try. The next year a church was organized, of which this 
pious couple became members. 

Mr. Marquis received his classical education at Canons- 
burgh Academy, studied Theology with the Rev. Dr. 
M'Millan, and was licensed to preach the gospel by the 
Presbytery of Redstone, at Dunlap's Creek, April 19th, 
1793. Having received a call to the congregation of Cross 



288 APPENDIX. 

Creek, within the bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio, he 
became connected with that Presbytery April 23d, 1794, 
and on the 13th of June following was ordained and in- 
stalled pastor of the congregation to which he had been 
called. In addition to his labours at Cross Creek, he acted 
as a stated supply, one half of the time, at Upper Buffalo, 
until that church called the Rev. John Anderson to be their 
pastor, when his connection with it ceased. He continued, 
however, in the charge of the church of Cross Creek until 
1826, which from the time of his settlement as their pastor, 
included a period of thiny-two years. Several precious re- 
vivals of religion occurred during his ministry, and upwards 
of four hundred persons were added to the church. He 
died peacefully and triumphantly, on September 27th, 1827, 
at the house of his son-in-law — the Rev. Joseph Stevenson 
— in Bellefontaine, Logan county, Ohio, where he had gone 
on a visit to his daughter and her family. He was upwards 
of seventy years of age. All who knew him speak of him 
as an eloquent and impressive preacher. The tones of his 
voice were exceedingly musical. Hence, he was often 
called "the silver-tongued Marquis." In the judicatories 
of the church, he was esteemed a wise and judicious coun- 
sellor. Hence, when in 1804, the General Assembly deter- 
mined to appoint a Committee to visit the Synod of Ken- 
tucky, and endeavour to heal the disorders which had taken 
place within the bounds of that Synod, he was chosen one 
of the number, for that purpose. The manner in which 
the Committee executed their commission, will be seen by 



APPENDIX. 289 

the following resolution passed by the Assembly, at their 
next meeting, in 1805. "Resolved, that they highly approve 
the firm and temperate measures taken by the Synod of 
Kentucky and the Committee of Assembly that met with 
them; and are of opinion, that the Committee, besides the 
pecuniary indemnity assigned them, are entitled to the thanks 
of the Assembly for the diligence, prudence, zeal, and tidelity, 
with which they appear to have executed their commission." 
He was one of the original members of the Board of Trust 
of the Western Missionary Society, and for a number of 
years gave his counsels and his labours to aid in carrying on 
its operations. 

The Rev. Messrs. John M. Stevenson of the Presbytery 
of Sydney, Thomas M. Newell, and John Marquis, Licen- 
tiates of the Presbytery of Washington, are his grandsons. 
Another grandson — James E. Marquis — is prosecuting his 
studies in the Western Theological Seminary, with a view 
to the gospel ministry. 



THE REV. JOSEPH SMITH. 

[19.] The Rev. Joseph Smith was a native of Eastern 

Pennsylvania. His birth-place is a short distance from the 

Susquehanna river, on the road leading from the river to 
24 



290 APPENDIX. 

Wilmington, Del., near to what is called "the Rising Sun.'' 
He was graduated at the College of New Jersey, in the fall of 
1764, during the Presidency of the Rev. Dr. Finley. He 
was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of New 
Castle, at Drawyers, August 5th, 1767. On the 20th of 
October, 1768, he accepted a call from the congregation of 
Lower Brandywine, and was ordained and installed their 
pastor, April 16th, 1769. Difficulties having sprung up in 
the congregation relative to the site of a new church, the 
pastoral relation between him and them was dissolved on 
the 26th of August, 1772. At the same meeting of Presby- 
tery he received a call from the congregations of Rocky 
Creek and Long Cane in South Carolina. This call he de- 
clined, and accepted an appointment as a supply to his former 
congregation for one year. About this time, he began to 
preach in Wilmington, Delaware, which was the occasion of 
great dissention among the people, as the Rev. William 
M'Kennan was already preaching in that place. After a 
season of much excitement, during which various petitions 
and remonstrances were presented on the subject, the Pres- 
bytery, on the 12th of August, 1773, put into his hands a 
call from the Second church of Wilmington. This he held 
until the fall of the next year. In the meantime, the con- 
gregation of Wilmington having united with that of Lower 
Brandywine in seeking a portion of his labours, he accepted 
their united call, and became their pastor, October 27th, 
1774. Li these churches he laboured until April 29th, 1778, 
when, at his request, the pastoral relation was dissolved "by 



APPENDIX. 291 

reason of the difficult state of our affairs." On the 11th of 
August, 1778, he informed his Presbytery of his intention to 
take a journey westward in the fall, and obtained leave of 
absence for that purpose. Tliat he fulfilled his intention, 
and visited the churches in Western Pennsylvania about that 
time, we may infer from the fact, that on the 27th of Octo- 
ber, 1779, he had a call presented to him from Peter's Creek, 
and one from Cross Creek. The next year — 1780 — he be- 
came the pastor of the congregations of Upper Buffalo and 
Cross Creek in Westmoreland, now Washington county, 
where he continued to labour with fidelity and success to 
the time of his death, which occurred on the 14th of April, 
1792. 

Mr. Smith was distinguished for his eminent piety and 
laborious diligence in the ministerial work. His preaching 
was of the most close and searching character, and was 
owned of God for the conversion of many souls. He was 
a good pastor, who sought out "the poor and the maimed, 
and the halt, and the blind," and "compelled them to come 
in," that his Master's house might be filled. He was a re- 
spectable scholar, and assisted a number of excellent men in 
their preparations for the gospel ministry. He was one of 
the original members of the Presbytery of Redstone, and his 
name, as the Moderator of the Synod of Virginia, in October, 
1790, attests the first Synodical approval of the Records of 
that Presbytery. He had a son — the Rev. David Smith — 
[20] who was a minister of the gospel, and the following 
ministers, viz: The Rev. Messrs. James Hughes, and James 



292 APPENDIX. 

Welch, deceased, the Rev. Joseph Anderson of the Presby- 
tery of Pahnyra, and the Rev. William Wylie of the Pres- 
bytery of Zanesville, were married to his daughters. 



THE REV. DAVID SMITH. 

[20.] The Rev. David Smith was born in Wilmington, 
Delaware, about the year 1772, and was graduated at 
Hampden Sidney College, Virginia, probably in 1791. He 
was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Red- 
stone, November 14th, 1792, and was ordained and installed 
by the same Presbytery, pastor of the congregations oi 
George's Creek and Uniontown, August 20th, 1794. To 
these congregations he preached for four years, when he 
removed to the Forks of the Youghiogheny river, and took 
charge of the congregations of Rehoboth and Round Hill. 
Here, he laboured until the time of his death, which occur- 
red on the 24th of August, 1803. "He was a sound divine, 
a faithful and pathetic preacher," and died in the triumphs 
of faith. He married a daughter of the Rev. Dr. Power, 
and was the father of the Rev. Joseph Smith, D. D. of the 
Presbytery of Baltimore, and, at present, the Agent of the 
Board of Missions of the General Assembly of the Pres- 
byterian Church, for Pittsburgh and the adjacent Synods, 



APPENDIX. 293 

THE REV. EZEKIEL GLASGOW. 

[21.] The Rev. Ezekiel Glasgow, was born in Han- 
over township, Allegheny — now Beaver— county, Penn- 
sylvania, about the year 1788. He was educated at Jef- 
ferson College, and studied Theology with Dr. M'Millan. 
He was licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of 
Ohio, October 17th, 1810. Having accepted a call to 
Beavertown and New Salem, within the bounds of the 
Presbytery of Hartford, (now Beaver,) he was received by 
that Presbyter}^ as a licentiate, June 22d, 1813, and or- 
dained and installed pastor of these congregations on the 
31st of August follov\'ing. His connection with them, 
however, was of short duration, as he died on the 23d of 
April, 1814. 

He was a systematic and practical preacher, who zealously 
endeavoured to impress tlie minds of his hearers with the 
truths of God's Word. He was a man of great evenness 
of temper, very pleasant and agreeable in his manners and 
deportment, and much esteemed by his congregation. His 
early death was a subject of general lamentation amongst 
those who were most fully acquainted with his character. 



24^ 



294 . APPENDIX, 

THE REV. JOHN ANDERSON, D. D. 

[22.] The Rev. John Anderson, D. D. was born in 
Guilford county. North Carolina, in the month of April, 
1768. He received his education under the immediate su- 
pervision of the Rev. David Caldwell, D. D., with whom, 
also, he studied Theology. This was during the period, 
when, according to a late writer — the Rev. Dr. Foote — Dr. 
CaldwelFs school was '' Academy, College and Theological 
Seminary." He was licensed by the Presbytery of Orange 
in the year 1793. Shortly afterwards, he w^as ordained as 
an Evangelist, and spent a number of years in itinerant la- 
bours in the States of North and South Carolina, Georgia, 
Tennessee and Kentucky, sometimes visiting destitute set- 
tlements in what is now Indiana. During this period, he 
ministered with profit to many weak churches, and planted 
others which " continue unto this day." He first visited 
Western Pennsylvania, where he spent several months, in 
the year 1799, im.mediately after the meeting of the General 
Assembly, at Winchester, Virginia, whither he had been, 
as a member of that body. Again, in the year 1800, after 
attending the Assembly at Philadelphia, he returned to this 
part of the country, where he remained. Having obtained 
a dismission from the Presbytery of Orange, he was re- 
ceived by the Presbytery of Ohio, January 19th, 1802, and 
on the 9lh of March following, accepted a call from the 
congregation of Upper Buffalo, in Washington county, and 



APPENDIX. 205 

became their pastor.* To this people he ministered with 
much fidelity and success, until June 18th, 1833, when, on 
account of declining health, and at his own request, the 
pastoral relation was dissolved. His health continued to 
decline, and he departed this life in the calm and peaceful 
hope of a blessed immortality, February 8th, 1835. 

According to the statement of his brother, George Ander- 
son, he was first awakened to a serious concern about his 
eternal interests, under the preaching of the Rev. James 
M'Gready, who himself, while attending the Academy at 
Canonsburgh,had been converted through the instrumentality 
of the Rev. Joseph Smith, pastor of the church of Upper 
Buffalo. These facts, taken in connection with Dr. An- 
derson's settlement in that church, are sufficiently curious, 
as illustrating the singular providence of God in the whole 
matter. Mr. M'Gready is sent from Carolina to be taught 
the way of salvation by Mr. Smith. He is then sent back 
to Carolina, to be the instrument of Dr. Anderson's con- 
version ; and, then. Dr. Anderson is sent to Western Penn- 
sylvania, to be the pastor of the flock which Mr. Smith had 
gathered at Upper Buffalo. Truly, " God moves in a mys- 
terious way." 

Dr. Anderson was a man of very humble pretensions, but 

* These dates — obtained since the body of the work was printed— 
would seem to require, that the occurrences mentioned on page 42, ba 
placed somewhat later than tliere indicated. But, if Dr. Anderson set- 
tled, as a stated supply, at Upper Buffalo, in the spring of 1800 — as is 
most probable — and, it be recollected that the Presbyteries then met but 
twice a year, the whole may be easily reconciled. 



296 APPENDIX. 

of sterling worth. He had a clear and vigorous mind, ca- 
pable of making accurate discriminations. He was es- 
teemed a good theologian, and superintended the studies of 
a number of young men for the gospel ministry. He took 
strong grou d against the validity of Roman Catholic 
ministrations, and was urgent that more direct and vigorous 
measures should be adopted to counteract the Romanizing 
tendencies which were beginning to appear in our country. 
As a preacher, he was close and searching, simple and pun- 
gent in his method of exhibiting and enforcing divme truth. 
So effectually and yet so quietly and noiselessly did he wind 
his way to the sinner's heart, and pierce his conscience by 
the arrows of God's word, that he received from his breth- 
ren the appellation of "the screw auger." He bored down, 
as it were, into the very innermost souls of men, and drew 
up, and presented to their astonished view, depraved pas- 
sions and appetites whicii they had never imagin»'^d to be 
there. He was an active friend of missions in the West. 
Besides being a member of the Board of Trust of the Wes- 
<tern Missionary Society, and aiding in the ordinal y business 
of the Board, he performed several journeys to the mis- 
sionary stations on the North Western frontier. H's piety 
was of the most undoubted character, and his labours were 
owned of God for the conversion of many souls. From 
the College at Washington, Pa., he received the degree of 
Doctor of Divinity, September 27th, 1821. He was the 
father of the Rev. William C. Anderson, D. D. of the Pres- 
bytery of Miami. 



APPENDIX. 29T 

THE REV. THOMAS E. HUGHES. 

[23.] The Rev. Thomas Edgar Hughes was born in 
York county, Pennsylvania, April 7th, 1769. He was bro- 
ther to the Rev. James Hughes. His preparatory studies 
were prosecuted pardy with a private instructor, and partly 
at the Canonsburgh Academy. He was graduated at the 
College of New Jersey in the fall of 1797. He studied 
Theology under Dr. M'Millan, and was licensed to preach 
the gospel on the 17th of October, 1798, by the Presbytery 
of Ohio. During the next year — August 27th, 1799 — he 
was ordained and installed the pastor of the congregation of 
Mount Pleasant, in Beaver county, Pennsylvania, where he 
laboured successfully for upwards of thirty years. Several 
revivals occurred under his ministry, as the fruit of one of 
which, one hundred persons were added to the church. He 
afterwards removed to Wellsville, Ohio. Of the church in 
that place he was the pastor for three years. He departed 
this life. May 2d, 1838. 

He was the first minister of the gospel who settled North 
of the Ohio river. He performed, at least, two missionary 
tours to the Indians on the Sandusky river, and in the neigh- 
bourhood of Detroit, and was the active friend of Missions. 
Near the close of the protracted illness of which he died, he 
remarked with peculiar emphasis, " I feel unworthy to use 
such strong language as I might in truth, in speaking of the 
rich enjoyment the Lord permits me to experience." And 
among his last words were the following, "I am not afrsiid 



198 THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 

which would dishonour God. "I would sooner die, than 
DO THIS !" he exclaimed, with emphasis, and gave vent to 
his feelings in a flood of tears. 

Jan. 28. Upon inquiry being made about the state of his 
mind, he said, he was comfortable. He had clear views of 
the gospel plan, and had not the smallest doubt of its truth. 
He had an habitual persuasion of his interest in Christ. He 
found himself clinging to him, and sometimes his hope of a 
personal interest in him, amounted to an assurance, but, this 
was not always the case. There had been seasons, in his 
past experience, when he had no doubt of his union to Christ. 
Sometimes, it was so now. For fifty years, he had been 
ciingino; to the Saviour, and he could say, that generally he 
had a good hope, through grace, of his interest in his salva- 
tion. 

He entered into an explanation of the distinction between 
the assurance of understanding, the assurance of faith, and 
the assurance of hope. The first two, he had ; the last, he 
had sometimes, but not always. 

February 15. He said he had enjoyed a comfortable day 
in meditating upon the perfections of God, and his goodness 
to him. For some time past, he had been a good deal wor- 
ried about the want of a fitil assurance of his personal inter- 
est in Christ. On that point, he was less troubled now, and 
enjoyed more comfort. 

March 15. Found him more reduced in bodily strength. 
In reply to my inquiry respecting the state of his mind, he 
said it was pretty clear. "I have no ecstacy, said he, but am 



THE LIFE OF MACURDY. 199 

enabled to rest with comfortable hope on the Rock, Christ — 
to keep fast hold of him, — and trust that I shall be enabled 
to do so, to the end." He desired me to pray for him, that 
he might die safely. He wished to die trusting in Christ. 

March 20. He said, that, within the last few years, he 
had gone over his whole history, at least fifty times, and that 
he was not able to put his linger upon a spot which was 
entirely fiee from sin. 

March 28. In the course of our conversation, he told me 
that he had a striking dream last night. He thought he was 
in conversation with some celestial being, or angel, and that 
he had expressed a desire to be made more fully acquainted 
with the plan of redemption. The angel told him, he could 
give him some additional light on that subject. Accordingly, 
he led him to a place, where he was favoured with most glo- 
rious views, far more clear and full than he had ever enjoyed 
before. During this time, he felt very happy, and expressed 
a desire to see still more of this glory. The angel informed 
liim, that this v.'as all he could see now, and having said this, 
he vanished from his view, and all thmgs appeared as they 
had done before. 

April 21. Upon entering his room, I asked him how he 
was? He replied with some emphasis, "Better! decidedly 
belter!" and then, after a pause, added, "I feel my strength 
giving way, and see more clearly, that the time of my disso- 
lution is drawing near. I think I will soon be over Jordan; 
and this is the reason I say, 'I am better.'" 

April 28. Received a message, that he was considerably 



300 APiPENDlX. 

soon after that date, and that he commenced his ministerial 
labours in the congregations of Bethel and Lebanon, in Al- 
legheny county, about the same time. 

He did not, however, become their regular pastor for some 
time afterwards. He was received by the Redstone Pres- 
bytery, March 12th, 1783. His connection with the con- 
gregation of Lebanon was dissolved April 17th, 1788, and 
with that of Bethel April 23d, 1794, when on account of his 
great infirmities he resigned his pastoral charge. He was 
one of the original members of the Presbytery of Ohio, in 
1793. He lived to witness the ordination and instalment 
of the Rev. William Woods [25] as his successor in the 
congregations of Bethel and Lebanon, and died shortly af- 
terwards, on the 13th of July, 1797, at the advanced age of 
seventy-nine years and some months. 

Mr. Clark exercised his ministry in troublous times. 
During his residence in the Forks, various Indian massacres 
occurred, which kept the people in a state of continued 
alarm. And near the close of his labours in Western Penn- 
sylvania, he was called to witness the " Whiskey Insurrec- 
tion," some of whose most excited movements took place 
within the territory occupied by the people of liis charge. 
In common with his brethren in the ministry, however, he 
w2ls found on the side of law and order — and when a large 
number of the insurgents were meditatmg an attack upon 
the house of Gen. Neville, the Chief Inspector, he endea- 
voured to dissuade them from their purpose. Mr. Day, in 
his " Historical Collections of Pennsylvania," has given the 



APPENDIX. 301 

record of this fact, in which Mr. Clark is designated as 
*' a venerable clergyman," and his conduct referred to with 
approbation. 



THE REV. WILLIAM WOODS. 

[25.] The Rev. William Woods was born in Lan- 
caster county, Pennsylvania, March 6th, 1771, and was 
graduated at Dickinson College, Carlisle, May 3d, 1792. 
He commenced his Theological studies under the Rev. Dr. 
Robert Smith, of Pequea, but completed them under Dr. 
Witherspoon, and was licensed to preach the gospel by the 
Presbytery of New Castle, June 17th, 1794, at Christiana 
Bridge. The two following years he spent in travelling 
and supplying vacant churches. During that period, he 
appears to have visited Western Pennsylvania, for on the 
4th of October, 1796, he received a call from the united 
congregations of Bethel and Lebanon, in Allegheny county. 
This call not having been prepared in due form, was re- 
turned, and he was dismissed, as a licentiate, to put himself 
under the care of the Presbytery of Redstone. With that 
Presbytery he became connected October 18th, 1796, when 
a call regularly prepared was put into his hands, from the 

united congregations of Bethel and Lebanon, and also, one 
25 



302 APPENDIX. 

from the united congregations of Rehoboth and Round 
Hill. These calls he retained until the next spring, when, 
on the 18th of April, he declared his acceptance of the one 
from Bethel and Lebanon, and was dismissed to put himself 
under the care of the Presbytery of Ohio, within whose 
bounds these congregations were situated Having been 
received by that Presbytery shortly after his dismission 
from Redstone, he was ordained and installed pas-tor of the 
congregations of Bethel and Lebanon, on the 28th of 
June, 1797. 

Li these united congregations, he continued to labour with 
much success until the year 1820, when each of them hav- 
ing become sufficiently strong to support a pastor, they 
agreed to separate, and the connection between him and 
Lebanon ceased. He remained the pastor of Beihel until 
October, 1831, when, at his request, the pa&toral relation 
was dissolved. His congregations participated in the bless- 
ings of the great revival of 1802. As the fruit of liis la- 
bours among them, it is recorded that nearly one thousand 
persons were added to the church, during his ministry. He 
died in humble dependance on Christ for salvation, on the 
17th of October, 1834, in the sixtyfifih year of his age. 



APPENDIX. 303 

THE REV. THADDEUS DODD. 

[26.] The Rev. Thaddeus Dodd, was graduated at the 
College of New Jersey, in the year 1773. By what Pres- 
bytery he was licensed, we are not informed ; but he was 
ordained sine titulo by the Presbytery of New York in 
1777 or '78. It is evident, that he came to Western Penn- 
sylvania shortly after his ordination, as Dr. M'Millan in his 
letter to Dr. Carnahan says, that he settled at Ten-Mile in 
1779. He is reported to have been a good scholar, and of 
respectable general attainments. As evidence of this, he 
was, on the 20th of January, 1789, appointed the first 
Principal of Washington Academy, at Washington, Penn- 
sylvania, which Academy had been incorporated by the 
Legislature of Pennsylvania, September 24th, 1787, and was 
afterward — in 1806 — merged in Washington College. 

He is said to have been more calm and less impassioned 
in his manner of preaching than most of the early minis- 
ters in this part of the country. He was one of the original 
members of the Presbytery of Redstone at the time of its 
organization in 1781, and preached the opening sermon from 
Job 42 : 5, 6. He died May 20th, 1793. His son, the 
Rev. Cephas Dodd, is a member of the Presbytery of 
Washington, and preaches at Lower Ten Mile, a part of the 
former charge of his father. 



304 _ APPENDIX. 

THE REV. JOHN BRICE. 

[27.] The Rev. John Brice was a native of Harford 
county, Maryland. He removed with the family to Wes- 
tern Pennsylvania, and received his education chiefly under 
the direction of the Rev. Joseph Smith. He studied The- 
ology partly under Mr. Smith, and partly under Mr. Dodd. 
He and James Hughes, were students together at Mr. 
Smith's, and were licensed together, April 15th, 1788, by 
the Presbytery of Redstone. By the same Presbytery, he 
was ordained and mstalled pastor of the congregations of 
Three Ridges and the Forks of AVheeliug, April 22d, 1790. 
When the Presbytery of Ohio was formed in 1793, he was 
one of its original members. In the above named congre- 
gations, he laboured until about the year 1807, when, on 
account of ill health, the pastoral relation between him and 
them was dissolved. He still continued, hov/ever, to preach 
the gospel in the destitute regions of Greene county, Penn- 
sylvania, and in the adjacent parts of Virginia, as often as 
health would permit, until the 18th of April, 1810, when 
he was dismissed to connect himself with the Presbytery of 
Lancaster. He died the next year — August 26th, 1811 — 
aged fifty-one years. 

He was a man of nervous temperament, subject occa- 
sionally to great despondency of mind, but of deep piety. 
His labours were attended with a divine blessing, and many 
rich fruits of his ministry have appeared since his decease, 
both in his former charge and in the country adjacent. 



APPENDIX. 305 

The late Rev. John Brice M'Coy, of the Presbytery of 
Washington, who died at Wheeling, October 18th, 1841, 
was his grandson. 



THE REV. GEORGE M. SCOTT. 

[28.] The Rev. George M. Scott was born in Bucks 
county, Pennsylvania, about twenty miles from Philadelphia, 
November 14th, 1759. When a boy, his father removed to 
Northampton county, where he remained with the family, 
until he was sent abroad to school. He received his colle- 
giate education at the University of Pennsylvania in Phila- 
delphia, under the Rev. Dr. Ewing, and was graduated in 
the fall of 1793. His Theological studies were prosecuted 
under the direction of the Rev. Samuel Stanhope Smith, 
D. D., and he was licensed to preach the gospel, by the 
Presbytery of New Brunswick, in the city of New Bruns- 
wick, New Jersey, in May, 1797. His health being deli- 
cate, by the advice of physicians and with the consent of his 
Presbytery, he travelled as a licentiate, w4th a view to its 
improvement, until the fall of 1798. During the summer of 
that year, he visited Western Pennsylvania, and preached 
with acceptance to the congregations in which he afterwards 

settled. Having returned home, he was ordained sine iittdo, 
25* 



306 APPENDIX. 

by the Presbytery of New Brunswick early in November, 
and travelled as a missionary in the Stale of New York du- 
ring the ensuing winter. In the Spring of 1799, a call was 
jjrepared and forwarded to him by the united congregations 
of Mill Creek and the Flats — now Fairview — within the 
bounds of the Presbytery of Ohio. This call he accepted, 
and having reached the place of his future labours in July, 
he was installed pastor of the congregations already named, 
on the second Saturday of September following. 

At the lime of entering upon his ministrations among this 
people, an awakened attention to religion existed, through 
the instrumentality of the preaching of the Rev. Thomas E. 
Hughes, then a licentiate. The result of this was the addi- 
tion of a considerable number to the church, from the world. 
His congregations shared in the Great Revival of 1802, and 
among those who were added to the church, several were 
the subjects of the bodily exercise. In 1816, his congrega- 
tions were again visited with the reviving influences of the 
Spirit of God, and over a hundred were brought into the 
communion of the church. Again, in 1822, the work of 
God was revived, and continued with little or no intermission 
for about five years. The fruits of this revival were an ac- 
cession to the church of mdre than two hundred persons, in 
the two congregations. And, it has been noted as a striking 
fact, that of thirteen young lads under eighteen years of age 
who were received into the church on a certain communion 
season, during one of these revivals, twelve afterwards be- 
came Ruling Elders, in different churches. In a Historical 



APPENDIX. 307 

Sketch of the Church of Mill Creek, Mr. Scott himself has in- 
dicated the kind of preaching which was employed in con- 
nection with these revivals. He says, "The subjects of 
preaching have been uniformly the old orthodox doctrines of 
the fall of man — our apostacy in Adam — the total depravity 
of the whole human family — their absolute need of regener- 
ating grace — the way of recovery through the redemption 
that is in Christ Jesus — justification through the imputed 
righteousness of Jesus Christ, <^c."' — Pitt. Christ. Herald 
of July 1st, 1836. 

In the Sprmg of 1826 — April 18th — he resigned his charge 
of the congregation of the Flats, but continued pastor of Mill 
Creek until the 26lh of December, 1837, when, on account 
of advanced age and increasing infirmitie.5, the pastoral rela- 
tion was dissolved, at his request. But, although he ceased 
to be a pastor, he was not idle, but preached as often as health 
and opportunity were afforded. On the Sabbath preceding 
his death he preached with much earnestness from Matt. 5: 
6, "Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after right- 
eousness, for they shall be filled." During the week, he 
attended two funerals, at both of which he delivered addres- 
ses, and on Friday walked a mile to visit a sick person. On 
his return home, he was seized with Cholera Morbus, and 
on Sabbath morning following — August 15th, 1847 — he 
breathed his last, in the SSth year of his age. His mind 
was calm and peaceful, and he died expressing the hope, that 
God, by his grace, had prepared him to enter into his rest. 

The Rev. John W. Scott, D. D. of the Presbytery of Ox- 



308 APPENDIX. 

ford, Prof, in the Farmer's College, Ohio, is his son, and 
the Rev. Samuel M'Farren, D. D. of the Presbytery of 
Blairsville is his nephew. 



THE REV. JOSEPH PATTERSON. 

[29.] The Rev. Joseph Patterson was born in the 
county of Down, Ireland, in the year 1752, and emigrated 
to this country when he was about twenty-one years of age. 
After a short residence in Pennsylvania, he went to New 
York, and settled in Saratoga county, in the congregation of 
the Rev. Dr. Clark. In 1774 he returned to Pennsylvania, 
and taught a school, for some time, near Germantown. 
From thence he removed, in 1777, to York county, and 
thence again in 1779, to Westmoreland, now Washington 
county. In the fall of 1785, when thirty-three years of age, 
he began his studies for the ministry, under the Rev. Joseph 
Smith. He was there at the same time with James Hughes 
and John Brice. On the 13th of August, 1788, he was li- 
censed to preach the gospel, by the Presbytery of Redstone. 
Mr. James M'Gready was licensed at the same time, and 
*»ob ained leave to travel to Carolina." 

At a meeting of the Presbytery, April 22d, 1789, a call 
from the united congregations of Racoon and Montour's Run, 



APPENDIX. 309 

and one from Unity and Salem were put into his hands. 
The former, he accepted, and was ordained and installed 
pastor of Racoon and Montour's Run, November 11th, 1789. 
In these united congregations he laboured until April 16th, 
1799. At that time he resigned his charge of Montour's 
Run, but continued his pastoral relation to Racoon until Oc- 
tober 15th, 1816, when, on accountof his growing infirmities, 
it was dissolved. He died on the 4th of February, 1832, in 
the eightieth year of his age. 

He was one of the original members of the Presbytery of 
Ohio, to form which, he was dismissed, with several others, 
October 18th, 1793. He is said to have preached the first 
sermon which was ever delivered to a congregation of white 
people on the North West side of the Ohio river. He was 
eminently a man prayer, and was distinguished for the unaf- 
fected simplicity of his christian character, his ardent piety, 
and his active zeal in the cause of Christ. A memoir of him 
is looked for, from the pen of his son, the Rev. Robert Pat- 
terson of the Ohio Presbytery. 



THE REV. SAMUEL PORTER. 

[_30.] The Rev. Samuel Porter was born in Ireland, 
on the 11th of June, 1760, of pious parents belonging to the 
Reformed Presbyterian church, commonly called Covenant- 



310 APPENDIX. 

ers, and was strictly educated in their peculiar tenets. His 
mother devoted him to the Lord, for the work of the minis- 
try, from his birth, in reference to which she called him 
Samuel. Having no means of acquiring an education, 
however, he learned the business of a weaver, and was 
married some time before he left Ireland. He emigrated to 
this country in 1783, about the close of the Revolutionary 
war. The first winter after his arrival in the United States, 
he spent in the vicinity of Mercersburg, Franklin county, 
Pennsylvania, where a near relative of his then resided. He 
was extremely poor, having only eighteen pence left, after 
paying the expenses of his journey. But he met with 
kind friends, who aided him in sustaining his family. 
While in that neighbourhood, he was induced to go and hear 
the Rev. Dr. John King, who was pastor of the Presbyterian 
church of Upper West Conococheague, although he had 
been admonished by his friend of the danger of being cor- 
rupted by his unsound doctrine. Indeed he himself expected 
to hear something very erroneous, and rather desired that it 
should be so, that he might have cause of reproach against 
the Presbyterian church. The first time he heard Dr. King, 
he returned home disappointed, having heard nothing to 
which he could object. It was so on a second and a third 
visit to his church. He still discovered nothing to condemn, 
and was surprised to find him so evangelical and sound in 
his views. Having heard him frequently during that winter, 
his objections against the Presbyterian churcli began to give 
way, and he came to the conclusion that his past opposition 



APPENDIX. 311 

to that church was the result of blind prejudice, rather than 
enlightened conviction. The next year, he removed to 
Western Pennsylvania, and settled in Washington county, 
where he had frequent opportunities of hearing Mr. Smith 
and Dr. M'Millan, and the result was that he united with 
the Presbyterian church, having satisfied himself fully that 
her ministers preached the pure gospel, and that his useful- 
ness and comfort would be increased by entering her com- 
munion. 

Having become acquainted with Dr. M'Millan and other 
ministers in the West, he was induced by their advice to en- 
ter on a course of preparation for the ministry. His studies 
were prosecuted partly under the Rev. Joseph Smith, in 
company with James Hughes, John Brice and Joseph Pat- 
terson; and partly under Dr. M'Millan, with whom he stu- 
died Theology. As he was without the means of support. 
Dr. M'Millan kindly gave him his board and instruction free 
of expense, and Alexander Wright, Esq. — a benevolent Irish- 
man — generously furnished a house and provision for his 
family while he was pursuing his studies. Thus did God, 
in a remarkable manner, meet the wishes and answer the 
prayers of his pious mother, by providing ways and means 
to facilitate his admission to the ministry, to which she had 
consecrated him. 

Up to the time of his prosecuting his studies at Dr. M'Mil- 
lan's, he was strenuously opposed to the use of a New Tes- 
tament Psalmody in the worship of God. While there, he 
determined to write out and publish a thoroughly prepared 



312 APPENDIX. 

exposition of his reasons against its use. In the progress 
of his investigations, which were accompanied at every step 
with prayer to God for direction, his mind underwent an en- 
tire change on the subject, and he found that the proof was 
against his view, and in favour of tliat which he was labour- 
ing to subvert. The result was, that he abandoned his op- 
position, and became the friend and advocate of a New Tes- 
tament Psalmody. His son, John Porter of Rural Valley 
church, from whom this information has been derived, has a 
distinct recollection of the time when his father first sang 
one of Watts' Psalms in family worship. 

As Mr. Porter had made Theology his study from early 
life, and had a considerable stock of knowledge on various 
subjects before he commenced a formal course of preparation 
for the ministry, the Presbytery admitted him to preach as 
a probationer, after a shorter term of study than is usual. 
He was licensed by the Presbytery of Redstone on the 12th 
of November, 1789. At a meeting of the Presbytery on the 
20th of April, 1790, he had a call put into his hands from 
the united congregations of Poke Run and Congruity; one 
from the congregations of Dunlap's Creek and George's 
Creek; and one from Long Run and Sewickly. The first 
of these calls he accepted and was ordained, in company 
with the Rev. John M'Pherrin, September 22d, 1790, and 
installed pastor of the congregations of Poke Run and Con- 
gruity. In these congregations he laboured until April 11th, 
1798, when, on account of ill health, he was released from 
Poke Run, though much against the wishes of the people, 



APPENDIX. 313 

who remonstrated against the dissolution of the pastoral re- 
lation. Congruity agreed to take the whole of his time, pro- 
mising him '*<£i20 per annum, one half in merchantable 
wheat, at five shillings per bushel, and the remainder in 
cash." He continued the pastor of this congregation until 
the lime of his death, which occurred on the 23d of Septem- 
ber, 1825. 

Mr. Porter was held in high esteem by his brethren of the 
ministry, as a man of undoubted piety and vigorous talents. 
He was a bold, original and independent thinker, distin- 
guished for his controversial talent and ready wit. He ap- 
peared to particular advantage, in the judicatories of the 
church, in which he exerted a commanding influence. He 
was a very acceptable speaker — had a clear, musical voice, 
and had great power over an audience, sometimes exciting 
in them the most pleasurable emotions, at other times melt- 
ing them to tears. Three of his sermons — the only ones, 
perhaps, which he ever wrote at full length — have been pub- 
lished. They were all of a controversial character, and ad- 
ded to his reputation as a skilful disputant and defender of 
the truth. He once presided over the Synod of Pittsburgh 
as Moderator, in the year 1804. He was the father of the 
late Rev. Samuel Porter, Jr., who settled at Cumberland, 
Maryland, in the fall of 1811, and was removed by death, 
January 3d, 1813. 
26 



314 APPENDIX. 

THE REV. JOSEPH BADGER. 

[31.] The Rev. Joseph Badger was born in "Wilbra- 
ham, Massachusetts, February 28th, 1757. At the age of 
eighteen — February, 1775 — he entered the Revolutionary 
army, in which he remained about three years, Some time 
after this, he commenced his education, in the family of the 
Rev. Mr. Day — father of President Day. He then went to 
Yale College, where he was graduated in September, 1785, 
He studied Theology under the Rev. Mark Leavenworth^ 
and was licensed in 1786, by the New Haven Association, 
On the 24th of October, 1787, he was ordained and settled 
as pastor of the church in Blandford, Mass. With that 
people, he continued about thirteen years, when on the 24th 
of October, 1800, he was dismissed from his pastoral charge^ 
by a mutual council. 

Having accepted an appointment under the Connecticut 
Missionary Society, to labour as a Missionary in the Con- 
necticut Western Reserve, he entered upon the field of his 
labours, on the last Sabbath in December of that year. Du- 
ring that winter and the next spring, he visited and preached 
in the Southern, and during the summer in the Northern 
part of the Reserve. In the month of September following, 
he went in company with the Rev. Thomas E. Hughes and 
George Blue Jacket to visit the father of Blue Jacket, who 
was principal Chief of the Shawanese Indians, near Detroit. 
On his return, he preached at Austinburgh, and on "the 24th 
of October formed the first church on the Reserve, consist- 



APPENDIX. 315 

ing of eight male and six female members." Shortly after 
this, he removed his family to the Reserve, and having per- 
formed various missionary tours in the service of the Board, 
he resigned his commission in January, 1806, and accepted 
a commission, as a Missionary to the Indians, from the 
Western Missionary Society. In the service of that Society 
he continued about four years, when he removed with his 
family to Ashtabula, in which place and vicinity he laboured 
for some time as a Missionary, supported partly by the peo- 
ple, and partly by the Massachusetts Missionary Society. 

In the fall of 1812, having gone to visit some of the sick 
people of his congregation, in the army, he was appointed, by 
Gen. Harrison, Brigade Chaplain and Postmaster of the 
army, which laid him under an obligation, as he believed, to 
remain until the spring. During the winter he piloted the 
army across the country to Lower Sandusky and went with 
them to Maumee, from which place he returned home about 
the middle of March. 

After leaving the army, he continued to preach, with little 
support from the people until 1826. In the fall of that year, 
he settled in the congregation of Gustavus, Trumbull county, 
which had been formed by him, and was installed their pas- 
tor by the Presbytery of Grand River. There he laboured 
eight years, with success, but on account of declining health, 
he was dismissed from his charge, June 26th, 1835, by the 
Presbytery of Trumbull. 

Soon after his arrival in the West, Mr. Badger connected 
himself with the Presbytery of Ohio, at which time, there 



316 APPENDIX. 

were but three ministers besides himself West of the Ohio 
river. From this Presbytery, he passed into that of Erie, 
by which he was received April 13th, 1803. In the fall of 
1808, the Presbytery of Hartford was formed, and included 
Mr. Badger as one of its original members. In 1814, he 
was separated from that Presbytery, by the Synod of Pitts- 
burgh, "in order to unite with a new Presbytery," — which 
was probably that of Grand River. Finally, he became a 
member of the Presbytery of Trumbull, by which he was 
dismissed from his last pastoral charge. In October follow- 
ing his release from his congregation, he removed to Wood 
county, Ohio, and took up his residence with his only sur- 
viving daughter, Mrs. Van Tassel. With her he remained 
until within about three years of the time of his decease, 
when he removed to Perrysburgh, where he died, April 5th, 
1846, in the 90th year of his age. The last sermon which 
he preached was on the day of the National Fast appointed 
in consequence of the death of President Harrison. A se- 
vere attack of sickness of which he was the subject sliordy 
afterwards, left him in a feeble state from whicli he never 
fully recovered. He retained his mental powers to the last 
moments, and died in the exercise of a triumphant faith in 
the Lord Jesus Christ. — Am. Quart, Register, Vol. XIII, 
pp. 317—328. 



APPENDIX. 317 

THE REV. MICHAEL LAW. 

[3*2.] The Rev. Michael Law was a native of Ireland. 
Of the time and circumstances of his removal to this coun- 
try, we have no information. He received his education in 
Western Pennsylvania, and was graduated at Washington 
College, A. D. 1809. He was licensed by the Presbytery 
of Ohio, at Upper Buffalo, October 17th, 1810. At the 
meeting of the Presbytery in April, 1811, calls were pre- 
sented for his labours, from the congregations of Montours, 
Richmond, Beaver, and New Salem. He accepted the call 
from Mountours, and was ordained and installed the pastor 
of that church, January 15th, 1812. For upwards of nine 
years, he laboured with great acceptance among the people 
of that congregation, until the time of his death, which oc- 
curred October 9th, 1821, at Ashland, Ohio, where he found 
a grave among strangers. His remains were disinterred on 
the 10th of November, 1846, and removed to Allegheny 
county, Pennsylvania, where, on the 18th of that month, 
they were re-interred beside those of his wife in the grave- 
yard belonging to the church of Bethany, of which the Rev. 
William Jeffery, his near relation by marriage, is the pastor. 



26^ 



318 APPENDIX, 

THE REV. SAMUEL TAIT. 

[33.] The Rev. Samuel Tait was born near Shippens- 
burgh, Cumberland county, Pennsylvania, February 17th, 
1772. At an early age, he removed with his father's family 
to Ligonier, in Westmoreland county, and resided in the 
same neighbourhood with Mr. Mat^urdy. His first serious 
impressions were occasioned by a conversation which Mr. 
Macurdy held with him in relation to his soul. He was 
educated at Canonsburgh Academy, and studied Theology 
under Dr. M'MiUan. He and Abraiiara Boyd were fellow 
students, and were licensed together by the Presbytery of 
Ohio, on the 25lh of June, 1800. The following autumn 
they were sent out to spend two months in preaching the 
gospel to the frontier inhabitants North and West of the 
Ohio and Allegheny rivers. On the 19lh of November, 
1800, having accepted a call from the congregations of Cool 
Spring and Upper Salem, he was ordained by the same 
Presbytery and installed their pastor. At the time of his 
settlement, the church of Cool Spring — which was five miles 
from the place where Mercer now stands — numbered but 
five members: but by the blessing of God upon his labours, 
it was not long until many were added to it. At the period 
of which we are speaking, the town of Mercer had no exist- 
ence, as it was not laid out until 1803. In these congrega- 
tions, he continued to labour until the 25th of June, 1806, 
when the pastoral relation between him and the church of 
Upper Salem was dissolved, and he gave half his time to 



AFFENDM. 3?J9' 

the Mercer church, in which he was installed October 21st, 
1806. Again, in June, 1813, he relinquished Cool Spring, 
by consent of Presbytery, and took charge of Salem, the 
people of Cool Spring agreeing to worship with those of 
Mercer. This connection continued until about the year 
1820, when he relinquished Salem and gave the whole of 
his labours to Mercer. With that church, he retained his 
connection during the remainder of his life, although the di- 
sease (laryngeal consumption) which terminated his earthly 
existence, disabled him from discharging his public duties 
for a short time before his death. He died June 2d, 1841^ 
in the 69th year of his age. 

In the early part of his life, before he became pious, Mr; 
Tait had been engaged with his father, in the carrying trade 
over the Allegheny mountains. This was at the time when the 
only mode of conveying goods from the East to the West 
was on "pack-horses." In this business, he continued, for 
some time, after his father became unable to attend to it. As 
it was an employment, at once laborious and full of adven- 
ture, he became, in its prosecution, inured to the hardships 
of a frontier life. This tended to prepare him for the trials 
and privations which, as a minister and missionary, he was 
afterwards called to endure in the new settlements. 

He was a man of great integrity of character, of good 
strong sense, and entirely devoted to his Master's work.. 
"His labours," says the Rev. Joseph T. Smith, his succes- 
sor and pupil, "were much blessed. For many years after 
his settlement here, he was the most popular and useful min- 



320 APPENDIX. 

ister, in this section of country. His spiritual children I 
find wherever I go throughout the Presbytery. In his own 
congregation, there was, perhaps, a more than usual blessing 
constantly attending his labours. Several revivals occurred 
under his ministry. Three may be particularly mentioned: 
the first during the time of the "falling exercise," which was 
shared in by his churches; the second about 1831; and the 
third about 1836. These were the principal seasons of re- 
freshing." 

He was one of the original members of the Presbytery of 
Erie, at the time of its formation in the fall of 1801. He 
was a member of the General Assembly of 1837, and co- 
operated with his brethren of the Old School, in the leading 
measures, by which that Assembly was distinguished. 



THE REV. OBADIAH JENNINGS, D. D. 

Q34.] The Rev. Obadiah Jennings, D. D. was born 
near Baskenridge, New Jersey, December 13th, 1778, and 
was the fourth son of the Rev. Jacob Jennings. He was 
educated at Canonsburgh Academy, studied law with John 
Simonson, Esq., of Washington, Pennsylvania, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in the fall of 1800. He settled in Steuben- 
ville, Ohio, where he practised law with reputation until 



APPENDIX. 321 

1811, when he removed to Washington. Shortly after this, 
he was elected a Ruling Elder in the church of that place, 
and having turned his attention to Theological studies, was 
licensed to preach the gospel, by the Presbytery of Ohio, in 
the fall of 1816. In the Spring of 1817, he removed to 
Steubenville, having accepted a call from the church in that 
place. After labouring there for six years, he accepted a 
call from the church of Washington, and returned to that 
place in tlie Spring of 1823. Five years afterwards, he ac- 
cepted an invitation to become the pastor of the church, in 
Nashville, Tennessee, and removed thither in April. 1828. 
He died at Nashville, January 12th, 1832. 

Dr. Jennings was the Moderator of the Assembly of 1822. 
A short time before his death, the College of New Jersey 
conferred on him the degree of Doctor of Divinity. He was 
a man of deservedly high reputation. At the bar, he stood 
among the first in his profession. In the pulpit, he was a 
clear, judicious and instructive preacher. On the floors of 
our ecclesiastical courts, he had few superiours. As a de- 
fender of the truth against the attacks of error, he was com- 
petent and skilful, as was fully evinced in his debate with 
Mr. Campbell, of Va. Above all, he was a meek and hum- 
ble Christian. A brief memoir of him has been published 
by the Rev. Dr. Brown, late President of Jefferson College, 
Pa. to which the reader is referred for farther particulars. 



322 APPENDIX. 

THE REV. CLEMENT VALLANDINGHAM. 

[35.] The Rev. Clement Vallandingham was bom 
in Westmoreland — now Allegheny — County, Pennsylvania, 
March 7th, 1778. He was graduated at Jefferson College, 
in 1804, and studied Theology with Dr. M'Millan. He was 
licensed to preach the gospel by the Presbytery of Ohio, 
June 25th, 1806. Having been called to New Lisbon, in 
Columbiana courity, Ohio, he was ordained and installed 
pastor of the church in that place June 24th, 1807. He 
continued the pastor of that church to the time of his death — 
a period of thirty-two years. During a part of that time, he 
gave a portion of his labours to the congregations of Thong's 
Run and Salem. He died October 21st, 1839. 

On the morning of the day of his decease, he caused the 
seventeenth psalm, in Watt's version, to be read, as expres- 
sive of his feelings. He was distinguished for his affec- 
tionate disposition, his steady piety, and firmness of charac- 
ter. The Rev. James Robertson preached his funeral ser- 
mon from Acts 11 : 24. "For he was a good man and full 
of the Holy Ghost, and of faith: and much people were ad- 
ded unto the Lord." In speaking of him, he says, "I am 
not a person given to flattery, but I remark as the result of 
my acquaintance and personal observation, that tliere are 
but few persons, (if any) within the circle of my numerous 
acquaintances, to whom these words can be more appropri- 
ately applied, than to our deceased brother." — Pesb. Adv. 
Feb. 5th, 1840. Presbyterian, Feb. 8th, 1840, 



APPENDIX. 323 

He was one of the original members of the Presbytery of 
Hartford at its organization in 1808, and in 1838, he was 
set off into the new Presbytery of New Lisbon. He was 
the father of Messrs. J. L. and George L. Vallandingham, 
the one a licentiate, and the other a candidate for the minis- 
try, under the care of the New Lisbon Presbytery. 



